Senior Australian batter Steve Smith was officially approved as a replacement for injured pacer Josh Hazlewood, just hours before Australia’s must-win T20 World Cup clash against Sri Lanka.
Smith has been added as Hazlewood’s replacement after the fast bowler was ruled out of the remainder of the tournament with a calf injury. According to the ICC, the team’s medical staff had hoped Hazlewood would recover in time for the latter stages, but he failed to regain full fitness.
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Smith, who had already travelled to Sri Lanka as cover for captain Mitchell Marsh, now becomes the 15th member of an injury-affected Australian squad. Marsh had missed Australia’s first two matches due to a testicular injury.
The experienced batter trained with the squad on Sunday and is in contention to feature in the crucial encounter.
Although Smith has not played a T20 International since February last year, he has enjoyed solid form in domestic T20 competitions.
In a further boost for the 2021 champions, Marsh returned to training on Sunday, batting in the nets and taking part in running and fielding drills.
Australia’s campaign is precariously placed following a 23-run defeat to Zimbabwe, leaving them with no margin for error. A loss to Sri Lanka would end their hopes of progressing further in the tournament.
