Pallekele (Sri Lanka), February 15 Injured Australia could consider bringing in veteran Steve Smith to bolster their struggling batting as the former champions aim to control their own fate when they face Sri Lanka in a crucial T20 World Cup Group B clash here on Monday.
Australia risk an early exit after suffering a shocking 23-run defeat to Zimbabwe in their previous match. They now need victories in their remaining group matches against Oman and Sri Lanka to progress to the Super Eights without relying on other results.
Australia are currently third in the group table with two points from as many games.
The 2021 champions, who have been plagued by injuries, were bowled out for 146 following a dramatic top-order collapse against Zimbabwe.
Captain Mitchell Marsh, who also opens the innings, missed Australia's second game due to injury and remains under an injury cloud due to internal testicular bleeding.
Smith has joined the squad as Marsh's backup, but the 36-year-old has not yet been officially added to the 15-man T20 World Cup squad.
Australia can include him without replacing anyone, as they have a spare spot following the injury-enforced exit of pacer Josh Hazlewood.
Smith's strong record against spin and encouraging recent form in the format could strengthen Australia's batting if included.
In a positive development, pace all-rounder Marcus Stoinis has been declared fit after suffering an injury to his left hand in the previous game.
However, Australia are also missing the famed pace trio of Mitchell Starc (retired), Pat Cummins (injured), and Hazlewood.
While Nathan Ellis has impressed, left-arm pacer Ben Dwarshuis and seamer Xavier Bartlett have been expensive in their limited opportunities.
But if there is any team that can turn things around, it's Australia. The team from Down Under had faced a similar situation during the 2023 ODI World Cup in India and ironically, it was the win against Sri Lanka that turned things around for them as they went on to win nine matches, including the final, to lift the trophy.
"We've been there before. I said at the toss, we saw it in 2023 with a few defeats and injuries. We have a few guys here who were there in India in 2023, and we'll look to navigate this situation and use that blueprint," stand-in-skipper Travis Head said after the loss to Zimbabwe.
Co-hosts Sri Lanka, on the other hand, are perched on top of the group with comfortable wins against Oman and Ireland.
However, they too have suffered a setback, with star spinner Wanindu Hasaranga ruled out of the tournament due to a hamstring injury.
In his absence, Sri Lanka will rely heavily on Maheesh Theekshana and left-arm spinner Dunith Wellalage to exploit home conditions.
The Teams (from)
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Australia: Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa, Steve Smith (cover for Mitchell Marsh).
Sri Lanka: Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Janith Perera, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Pramod Madushan, Dushan Hemantha.
Match starts at 7pm IST.
