New Delhi, 16 February (H.S.):

The ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 Event Technical Committee approved on Monday Steve Smith's inclusion in Australia's squad, replacing injured pacer Josh Hazlewood, who succumbed to an Achilles injury and exited the tournament.

Australia refrained from naming an immediate replacement upon Hazlewood's withdrawal; Smith, initially summoned as cover for opener Mitch Marsh sidelined by testicular trauma in the opening matches, joined training in Kandy on Sunday evening after arriving in Sri Lanka.

Marsh resumed practice Sunday, appearing fully fit during running and fielding drills ahead of tonight's Group B encounter against co-host Sri Lanka at Pallekele Stadium, where Australia—third after a Zimbabwe loss—must sweep remaining fixtures for Super 8s hopes.

Smith, now the official 15th squad member per ICC protocols requiring pre-match committee nod, boasts scintillating recent form: 299 runs at a 170 strike rate across six Big Bash League outings for Sydney Sixers, including his fourth ton in four seasons, positioning him for potential opening if Marsh falters.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar