Australia’s Injury Woes Deepen as Batting Talisman Cops a Blow
Australia’s preparations for the tour of Sri Lanka, swiftly followed by the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy, have taken another hit with experienced campaigner Steve Smith.
The 35-year-old, who was named Test captain for the Sri Lanka series, sustained a right elbow injury while attempting a throw during a Big Bash League fixture on Friday.
Cricket Australia (CA) has updated that a specialist input on Smith will follow, and the batter is due to join the Australian Test squad in Dubai later this week ahead of the tour of Sri Lanka.
Smith’s injury is not the only blow Australia is dealing with on the back of a pulsating five-Test series against India.
Full-time skipper Pat Cummins has been ruled out from the tour of Sri Lanka due to increased soreness in his left ankle.
CA added in their statement that the National Selection Panel is keeping a close observation on Cummins, who has been named as the captain for the upcoming ICC Men’s Champions Trophy.
READ MORE – Pat Cummins to Lead Australia at ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025
The Australian skipper will seek specialist rehabilitation advice this week and is likely to require a period of physical preparation and recovery.
Also in recovery is left-arm spinner Matt Kuhnemann, who sustained a fractured thumb while playing in the Big Bash League earlier this week.
Kuhnemann, who was named in Australia’s Test squad for Sri Lanka, is expected to resume bowling this week with a view to joining the squad in Sri Lanka if he continues to progress well.
Australia is scheduled to play their final two Tests of the ongoing World Test Championship cycle followed by as many ODIs in Sri Lanka, starting on 29 January with the first Test in Galle.