SL vs AUS: Australia Get Positive News Ahead Sri Lanka Series

SL vs AUS: Australia Get Positive News Ahead Sri Lanka Series

As the Australia squad gears up for a two-match Test series in Sri Lanka, which will be swiftly followed by the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy, they have received encouraging news regarding Steve Smith’s elbow injury. The star batter’s injury, sustained during a Big Bash League fixture, is less severe than initially feared, bolstering Australia’s preparations.

The 35-year-old, named Test captain for the Sri Lanka series in Pat Cummins’ absence, injured his right elbow while attempting a throw during the Big Bash League. Cricket Australia has since confirmed that Smith has been cleared to play following a specialist medical review.

“Steve Smith has undergone a specialist medical review today following his right elbow injury sustained during the Big Bash League. He has been cleared to rejoin the Test squad and travel to Dubai. Smith is expected to return to batting later in the week to begin his preparation for the first Test against Sri Lanka,” said Cricket Australia in a statement.

Speaking on his arrival in Dubai, Smith revealed his initial fears of a repeat of the serious elbow ligament injury he suffered in 2019. “It was in the Big Bash game; I caught Davey over the boundary and lobbed it back into the field. I threw that ball back in quite hard, and straight away, I thought, ‘Oh jeez, that hurt a little bit.’ It felt similar to the ligament injury in 2019, so I was quite worried,” Smith explained.

Fortunately, scans confirmed that the ligament remains intact, with only minor muscle damage and a small ligament issue on the bone. “It’s probably going to stop me throwing for a little while, but I’m confident I’ll be able to bat with a bit of tape on it,” Smith added.

Smith plans to ease back into action, starting with light batting sessions. “I’m just recovering at this stage. I’ve come down, had a little run around, and watched the boys in the nets. Maybe I’ll start batting tomorrow or the day after, depending on how my elbow feels,” he said.

The news of Smith’s recovery is a significant boost for Australia, who are already without captain Pat Cummins due to an ankle injury. Cricket Australia has stated that Cummins’ fitness is under close observation, as he is set to lead the team in the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy later this year.

Additionally, left-arm spinner Matt Kuhnemann, recovering from a fractured thumb sustained in the Big Bash League, is expected to resume bowling this week. He could join the squad in Sri Lanka if his recovery progresses well.

The Sri Lanka tour marks the final series of the current World Test Championship cycle, with Australia already securing a spot in the final against South Africa in June.

Australia Tour of Sri Lanka Schedule:

• 1st Test: January 29 – February 2, 2025, Galle

• 2nd Test: February 6 – 10, 2025, Galle

• 1st ODI: February 12, 2025, Galle

• 2nd ODI: February 14, 2025, Venue TBC