Australia’s stand-in Test captain, Steven Smith, has been cleared of a major elbow injury scare just in time for the team’s Sri Lanka tour. The star batter, who had surgery on the same elbow in 2019, experienced pain while throwing during the Big Bash League (BBL) last week, raising concerns about his availability for the series.
The Incident: A Moment of Concern
The injury occurred during a BBL match at the SCG, where Smith took a catch, flicked the ball back inside the boundary, and felt sharp pain in his elbow while throwing.
“Straight away I thought, ‘Oh jeez, that hurt,’” Smith recalled. “It was a similar feeling to when I ruptured my ligament back in 2019, so I was a little bit worried.”
Thankfully, scans showed no significant ligament damage. The discomfort was attributed to minor muscle damage and a small issue with a ligament attached to the bone.
Recovery and Preparations in Dubai
Following specialist advice, Smith joined Australia’s training camp in Dubai, where the team is practicing on custom-built pitches to mimic Sri Lankan conditions. Smith is optimistic about batting with some taping on his elbow and expects to participate fully as a close catcher, a key role in a spin-heavy series.
- Throwing Limitations: Smith may need to limit his throwing during the matches but sees this as a minor adjustment.
- Focus on Spin: “We’re here to develop game plans for extreme conditions. The pitches are turning and bouncing, which is perfect preparation,” he said.
Smith Nears a Historic Milestone
Smith is set to begin the Sri Lanka series with 9999 Test runs, tantalizingly close to the 10,000-run milestone. Twice in his career, he has fallen just short of this landmark, adding extra anticipation to the upcoming matches.
Australia’s Squad Update
Australia’s full squad is now in Dubai, except for left-arm spinner Matt Kuhnemann, who recently underwent surgery for a thumb injury. Key players like Mitchell Starc and Beau Webster have also joined the camp, solidifying preparations for the two-Test series.
- Matt Kuhnemann’s Availability: Updates on Kuhnemann’s recovery are expected soon after he suffered a compound fracture-dislocation during the BBL.
FAQs
Q: What happened to Steven Smith’s elbow during the BBL?
A: Smith felt sharp pain while throwing the ball, raising fears of significant ligament damage. Scans later revealed minor muscle damage.
Q: Will Smith play in the Sri Lanka series?
A: Yes, Smith has been cleared to play and will captain Australia for the two-Test series in Sri Lanka.
Q: How close is Steven Smith to 10,000 Test runs?
A: Smith is just one run away, starting the Sri Lanka series on 9999 Test runs.
Q: Why is Australia training in Dubai before the Sri Lanka series?
A: The team is practicing on pitches designed to replicate the spinning and bouncing conditions expected in Sri Lanka.
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