Australian cricket star Steve Smith has been cleared to join his team in Dubai after concerns over his elbow injury flared up once again. Smith, who had previously suffered a right elbow injury in 2019 that required ligament surgery, experienced pain while throwing during a recent Big Bash League (BBL) match.
Despite his worries, a specialist’s advice has allowed him to rejoin the Australian squad for their upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka in Galle, where he will step in as captain in the absence of Pat Cummins, who is on paternity leave.
Elbow Injury Concern
Steve Smith had been nursing his right elbow ever since undergoing surgery for a ligament rupture in 2019, a recovery that kept him sidelined for a considerable period. Last week, while playing in the BBL, he felt a sharp pain in the same elbow during a routine fielding drill, which immediately raised alarms.
The man described the incident during a recent interview, with the pain he was experiencing being similar to the sensation he had when he ruptured the ligament four years ago. Naturally, he would worry that the condition had resurfaced.
“I felt the same kind of pain that I had during the ligament rupture in 2019, so I was worried,” Smith shared. “But fortunately, after the scan, I was relieved to find that the ligament is fine. It was just the muscles that had been stretched, and there was a bit of movement in a small part of the ligament.”
Although Smith has been cleared, the injury has made him a bit cautious on the field. As a precautionary measure, Smith is likely to take up a catching role while fielding to avoid excessive throwing, which could aggravate the injury.
Smith’s Recovery and Readiness for Sri Lanka Series
Although Smith will be careful with his movements on the field, his batting remains unaffected. He has been assured that he will be able to bat with the help of some taping around his elbow. This comes as a relief to both Smith and the Australian team, as his presence in the middle order is vital for the side’s balance. Notably, Smith will begin the Sri Lanka series with 9999 Test runs, narrowly missing out on reaching the 10,000-run milestone in the previous Test series against India at the SCG.
In terms of leadership, Smith has been entrusted with captaining Australia for the two-Test series in Galle, as regular captain Pat Cummins is on paternity leave. It will be a significant opportunity for Smith to lead the team, especially in the subcontinental conditions of Sri Lanka, where spin bowling and tactical captaincy are crucial.
Australia’s Preparations in Dubai
In preparation for the Sri Lanka series, the Australian squad has gathered in Dubai, where they have been training at the ICC Academy. The conditions in Dubai are said to offer a mix of spin and bounce, similar to the playing conditions in Sri Lanka, which will give the team a chance to acclimatize before their tour.
Smith elaborated on the importance of the training camp in Dubai, saying, “I noticed there was a mix of spin as well as bounce in the conditions here. That’s why we’re in Dubai—so that the players can get used to those conditions this week, prepare their game plans, and be fully ready for the tour.”
This camp is seen as an essential part of the team’s preparation, as the Sri Lanka series will require the Australian players to adapt to slow and turning pitches. The squad’s focus is to ensure that players are well-prepared for the specific challenges they will face on Sri Lankan soil, including the skill set required to play spin effectively.
Injury Update: Matt Kuhnemann and Team Changes
While most of the Australian squad is now in Dubai, there is still some uncertainty around the availability of left-arm spinner Matt Kuhnemann, who was also part of the Australian squad but is currently recovering from a right thumb injury. Kuhnemann had to undergo surgery after injuring his thumb in a recent BBL match, and his availability for the Sri Lanka series will be determined in the coming days.
On the other hand, two other players, Bey Webster and Mitchell Starc, have been joined in Dubai with Smith. Though this player is also going to strengthen the team’s preparations, Starc’s pace and experience will be valuable in subcontinental conditions.
Read More
The Way Forward: Smith’s Leadership and Australia’s Sri Lanka Test Challenge
Steve Smith’s return to the team and his appointment as captain during Pat Cummins’ absence will provide valuable leadership for Australia as they prepare to face Sri Lanka in Galle. The upcoming series is set to be a challenging one, as playing in Sri Lanka requires a deep understanding of the spin-heavy conditions and tactical acumen.
With Smith at the helm and the team working hard to acclimatize to the conditions in Dubai, Australia will be hopeful of maintaining their strong form in Test cricket. Smith’s leadership, combined with his wealth of experience, will be crucial in guiding the team through the challenges posed by Sri Lanka’s spin attack and the pressure of playing away from home.
A New Challenge for Smith and Australia
As Steve Smith rejoins the Australian squad after overcoming his elbow concerns, his readiness for the Sri Lanka tour will be a key storyline. The Dubai training camp is vital for the team’s preparations, and Smith’s leadership role, combined with his batting prowess, will be central to Australia’s success in the subcontinent. As the series against Sri Lanka approaches, all eyes will be on Smith, not just as a player but also as a leader, as Australia aims to tackle the challenges of playing in Sri Lanka and continue their dominance in international Test cricket.
ALSO READ: IND vs ENG: Arshdeep Singh Surpasses A T20I Record
