Steve Smith Cleared to Rejoin Australian Team in UAE, Set to Resume Batting This Week
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Steve Smith has been cleared to rejoin the Australian Test team for their pre-season camp in the UAE ahead of the Sri Lanka series, with batting expected to resume later this week, according to Cricket Australia. This news comes as a relief amid concerns over his recent elbow injury.
Key Takeaways
- Steve Smith joins the Australian Test team in UAE.
- He will resume batting later this week.
- Smith is the acting captain due to Pat Cummins' unavailability.
- Concerns over his elbow injury have been addressed.
- Two Tests against Sri Lanka are scheduled in late January and early February.
Melbourne, Jan 20 (NationPress) Steve Smith has been approved to join the Australian Test team at their pre-season training camp in the UAE, in preparation for their upcoming series against Sri Lanka. He is expected to resume batting later this week, as confirmed by Cricket Australia (CA) on Monday.
Smith has been appointed as Australia's Test captain for the forthcoming Sri Lanka tour, stepping in due to Pat Cummins being sidelined with left ankle soreness and the arrival of his second child. However, Smith suffered a right elbow injury while fielding for the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League last Friday.
After being seen with an elbow brace, concerns arose about his fitness for the Sri Lanka tour. Nevertheless, CA's recent update has alleviated those worries, as he now joins the team at their camp located at the ICC Academy in Dubai.
“Steve Smith underwent a specialist medical evaluation today following his right elbow injury incurred during the Big Bash League. He has been cleared to rejoin the Test squad and travel to Dubai. Smith is anticipated to start batting later this week to prepare for the first Test against Sri Lanka,” CA stated.
This development regarding Smith's availability for Sri Lanka is a significant boost for Australia, even as they remain anxious about the status of left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann, who is recuperating from surgery for a fractured thumb on his non-bowling hand, sustained during the Big Bash League.
The Galle International Cricket Stadium will host two Tests between Australia and Sri Lanka from January 29 to February 2 and February 6-10, respectively. Following that, Sri Lanka will welcome Australia for two ODIs at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on February 12 and 14.
