Smith joins Australia T20 squad for must-win World Cup match

Steve Smith has officially been called into the Australia squad for the T20 World Cup.

Smith joins the squad hours before Australia's game against Sri Lanka in a must-win match for the Aussies after losing to Zimbabwe.

The Aussie batter takes the final place in the team, vacated by the injured Josh Hazlewood, and provides cover for Mitch Marsh who suffered a testicular injury at training.

Smith is expected to join the XI ahead of the Sri Lanka clash.

“ICC regulations stipulate any squad change must be submitted and activated at least one day prior to a match," selector Tony Dodemaide said.

“With Steve here, along with some uncertainty around Mitch and Marcus Stoinis, it made sense he (Smith) is activated and available for selection in time for the match, if required.”

SEN's Ian Healy believes Smith is a must-have inclusion for the Aussies in the tournament.

“He's on a hot one. Why did he get left out of the T20 squad for a start to go to the World Cup?” Healy asked on SENQ Breakfast.

“Why wasn’t he picked in the squad? I initially just assumed he made himself unavailable for international T20 cricket like Starc.

“He certainly can force his way into my squad if he wants to."