Australia have called up Steve Smith as cover for the T20 World Cup 2026 following an injury to captain Mitchell Marsh. The Aussies, already without pace duo Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins due to injuries, have now been further hit by the loss of their skipper.
On Wednesday, February 11, Marsh missed Australia’s opening match against Ireland at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo because of a groin injury. In his absence, Travis Head stepped in to lead the side at the toss.
Marsh sustained a blow to the groin while taking sidearm throwdowns from an Australian assistant coach during a training session on Sunday. He immediately left the nets to receive medical attention.
“He is experiencing ongoing pain and discomfort which is restricting his movement,” Cricket Australia said in a statement.
“Scans have confirmed internal testicular bleeding and he will require a period of rest and rehabilitation. His return to play will be guided by symptom resolution and medical advice.
“Stand by player Steve Smith will travel to Sri Lanka as cover to acclimatise and prepare, should he be required,” the statement added.
Australia are next scheduled to face Sikandar Raza’s Zimbabwe on Friday, February 13, at the same venue. The Aussies will be hoping their skipper regains full fitness, as Marsh brings immense firepower and valuable experience with his explosive batting.
Smith has been rewarded for his outstanding performances in the Big Bash League 2025–26, where he scored 299 runs in six matches at an average of 59.80 and a strike rate of 167.97, including one century and two fifties.
The highlight of his campaign was a remarkable innings in which he registered the joint second-fastest century in BBL history. Representing the Sydney Sixers in the Sydney Derby against the Thunder at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Smith reached his hundred in just 41 balls, matching the efforts of Josh Brown and Glenn Maxwell on the all-time list.
His knock was a display of power and precision, featuring nine sixes and five fours, as the Sixers comfortably chased down 190, sealing a five-wicket victory.
