In a strategic move to bolster their batting lineup, Australia has officially activated veteran batter Steve Smith for their pivotal T20 World Cup encounter against Sri Lanka in Pallekele on Monday. The 36-year-old traveled with the squad as emergency cover after captain Mitchell Marsh sustained a concerning injury described as ‘testicular bleeding’ during a recent match. Smith now formally enters the 15-man roster as the replacement for pace bowler Josh Hazlewood, who was ruled out of the tournament before its commencement. Chief selector Tony Dodemaide explained the decision, stating, ‘Given Steve’s presence here alongside some uncertainty surrounding Mitch and all-rounder Marcus Stoinis, it was logical to activate him and make him available for selection.’ Smith brings recent domestic form to the team, having scored a century and two half-centuries in just six Big Bash League appearances following the Ashes series in January. His inclusion comes at a critical juncture for the Australian team, which faces potential elimination after being bowled out for 146 runs in a shocking 23-run defeat to Zimbabwe. The team must now win their remaining matches and potentially rely on net run-rate calculations to advance to the Super 8 stage of the competition.