Overview
- The ICC Event Technical Committee approved Smith as Josh Hazlewood’s official replacement, with Hazlewood ruled out by a calf injury.
- Smith originally flew to Sri Lanka as cover for captain Mitchell Marsh after a training-related testicular/groin injury sidelined Marsh for the first two games.
- Selector Tony Dodemaide said regulations require changes at least one day before a match and cited uncertainty over Marsh and Marcus Stoinis for activating Smith.
- Smith trained with the squad in Kandy and is available for selection for Monday’s must-win Group B match against co-hosts Sri Lanka.
- The move comes after Australia’s upset loss to Zimbabwe increased qualification pressure; Smith last played a T20I in February 2024 but dominated the recent BBL with 299 runs at a 167.97 strike rate.