Steve Smith, Amsterdam Flames batter, has been called up to the Australian squad replacing Josh Hazlewood.

On Monday 16 February, The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Event Technical Committee formally approved Smith as the replacement for Hazlewood, who has been ruled out of the tournament due to a calf injury.

The former Aussie captain returns to the international T20 fold with a formidable resume, slotting into the Aussie side with 6242 T20 runs, scoring at a S/R of 131.38 and an average of 32.68.

Smith joined the camp on Friday, 13 February, and was officially added to the squad  on the day of a do-or-die clash against tournament co-hosts Sri Lanka at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy. 

Following a recent upset at the hands of Zimbabwe, Australia must secure a victory in the high-stakes encounter to maintain a viable path to the Super 8 stage. 

The former world champions will look to call upon the experience and match-winning prowess that Smith has displayed over his expansive international career and most recently in the Australian franchise T20 league.