Ahead of their opening match against Sri Lanka on February 11, Australia has made a significant change to their T20 World Cup 2026 squad. Experienced batter Steve Smith has been called up as a backup following an injury to captain Mitchell Marsh.
Marsh suffered a groin strain during a training session earlier this week and has been ruled out of the tournament opener. The injury occurred while he was receiving sidearm throwdowns from an assistant coach, forcing him to leave the nets immediately for treatment.
Cricket Australia confirmed that Marsh has been diagnosed with internal testicular bleeding, which will require rest and rehabilitation. “He is experiencing ongoing pain and restricted movement. His return to play will be guided by symptom resolution and medical advice,” the statement read.
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With Marsh sidelined, Travis Head is expected to take over captaincy duties for the opening match. Steve Smith will join the squad in Sri Lanka shortly as reinforcement.
This setback comes on top of the team’s existing challenges, with key fast bowlers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood also unavailable for the tournament.
Australia Squad for T20 World Cup 2026:
Mitch Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa, Steve Smith