Steve Smith Joins Australia T20 Squad After Injury

Steve Smith has been added to Australia's T20 World Cup team. This happened because player Mitchell Marsh got injured. Smith is now an option for the next important game.
By Newsroom | Cricket, Australia |

Steve Smith has been officially added to Australia's T20 World Cup squad. This move comes just before a critical match against Sri Lanka, a game Australia must win to advance. The veteran batter was brought in as cover for Mitchell Marsh, who sustained a testicular injury. Smith's inclusion means he is now an option for the team's starting lineup against Sri Lanka, with the match scheduled for Monday night (Tuesday morning AEDT).

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  • Smith's call-up is a significant development, especially given his prior omission from the initial squads.

  • The timing of this change highlights the precarious situation Australia faces in the tournament.

Squad Changes and Tournament Implications

Australia's tactical decisions surrounding their T20 World Cup squad have seen a notable shift with the inclusion of Steve Smith. This change is officially to replace Josh Hazlewood, a pace bowler, making Smith's entry into the 15-player squad effective immediately. The ICC Event Technical Committee has approved this change, allowing Smith to potentially play against Sri Lanka. This alteration comes at a crucial juncture in the tournament, where each match carries substantial weight.

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The full Australian squad now includes:

  • | Player | Role |

|————————|——————-|| Mitchell Marsh | Captain || Xavier Bartlett| || Cooper Connolly| || Tim David | || Ben Dwarshuis | || Cameron Green | || Nathan Ellis | || Travis Head | || Josh Inglis | Wicketkeeper|| Matthew Kuhnemann| || Glenn Maxwell | || Matthew Renshaw| || Steve Smith| Batter || Marcus Stoinis | || Adam Zampa | |

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  • Smith's integration into the squad marks the culmination of a period of selection speculation.

  • The team's current standing in Group B necessitates strategic adjustments to bolster their chances of progressing.

Previous Omission and Player Stance

Prior to his recent inclusion, Steve Smith was notably absent from Australia's T20 squads. He was left out of a 17-player squad for a T20 series against Pakistan, which began on January 29. This decision surprised many, considering Smith's strong recent form in the Big Bash League (BBL). During the BBL season, Smith scored a century and a half-century, contributing significantly to his team, the Sydney Sixers. He averaged 78.54 across his last 15 BBL innings and even scored a 41-ball century.

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  • Smith has publicly addressed his prior omission, suggesting his time for T20 internationals might have passed.

  • He indicated a belief that the team had established opening batters who were performing well.

"I reckon they've got two opening batters that are doing pretty well. But I think that ship (T20 World Cup) has sailed." - Steve Smith

  • Despite his performance in domestic leagues, Smith expressed a relaxed attitude, focusing on his current commitments and enjoying his cricket.

Injury and Selection Dilemmas

Mitchell Marsh's testicular injury has had a direct impact on Steve Smith's involvement. Marsh, the team captain, sustained the injury in training and consequently missed the initial two matches of the T20 World Cup. This incident created a need for batting cover, directly leading to Smith's call-up. The selection committee has officially approved Smith's inclusion in the 15-player squad, making him available for selection.

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  • Marsh's injury created a clear need for a replacement batter, facilitating Smith's re-entry into the squad.

  • The timing of Marsh's injury, close to a critical match, compounded the selection challenges for Australia.

The team's roster adjustments also include a decision regarding Josh Hazlewood's replacement, with Smith now filling that designated spot.

Expert and Media Observations

The inclusion of Steve Smith has drawn considerable attention, particularly given his recent T20 form and his previous exclusion from the squad. Media reports highlight Smith's strong performance in the BBL as a factor that made his omission perplexing. His century against the Thunder in the Sydney Smash was particularly noted.

  • Reports indicate a degree of surprise surrounding Smith's initial exclusion despite his compelling recent batting statistics.

  • The narrative around Smith's selection has shifted from his potential absence to his immediate availability due to injury contingencies.

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"Steve Smith has been officially added to Australia’s T20 World Cup squad just in time for a must-win clash with hosts Sri Lanka." - Fox Sports

"Australia have finally made a call on Josh Hazlewood's replacement at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup with news that veteran batter Steve Smith has been parachuted into their 15-player squad with immediate effect." - ICC

Conclusion and Forward Outlook

Australia's decision to include Steve Smith in their T20 World Cup squad underscores the team's proactive approach to managing player availability and tournament progression. The veteran batter's addition is a direct consequence of Mitchell Marsh's injury, creating a tactical necessity. Smith, who was previously overlooked for selection despite strong domestic form, now presents a viable option for the team's crucial upcoming matches. His availability means Australia can draw on his extensive experience as they face must-win encounters, beginning with their match against Sri Lanka. The squad's composition and the recent changes reflect the dynamic nature of international cricket tournaments and the strategic considerations teams undertake to navigate challenges.

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  • The inclusion of Steve Smith is a significant tactical maneuver driven by injury, aiming to strengthen Australia's batting lineup.

  • The team's immediate focus will be on their upcoming "must-win" match against Sri Lanka, with Smith now a potential contributor.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is Steve Smith in the T20 World Cup squad?
Steve Smith was added because Mitchell Marsh, the team captain, got hurt.
Q: Can Steve Smith play in the next game?
Yes, he is now part of the team and can be chosen to play.
Q: Was Steve Smith in the team before?
No, he was not in the first team chosen for the World Cup.
Q: What happened to Mitchell Marsh?
Mitchell Marsh hurt himself in training and missed some games.