Ahead of Australia’s ICC ODI World Cup 2023 game against Afghanistan, the five-time World Champs have dealt with another fitness issue regarding batter Steven Smith. The Aussie number four has suffered a recurring case of vertigo, a condition that has given him problems on several occasions over the recent past.
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Before the Afghanistan game, Smith was in extreme discomfort as he batted in the nets. As per journalist Bharat Sundaresan, Steve Smith “stood around the with his head bent down, then went and sat on a chair looking in quite a bit of discomfort, before lying down on the ground where you find him now with his eyes closed.” Sundaresan also reported that the batter left Wankhdede before chatting with the team physio.
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Before his net session in Wankhede, Steve Smith talked to the media about his condition and described it as annoying. He also talked about suffering a few bouts of vertigo and hoped to be fine for the game. As quoted by cricket.com.au, Smith said, "I've had a bit of vertigo stuff for the last day or so. It's a bit annoying.
“Hopefully, I can get through training and I'm all good. But it's not a nice place to be, I think I'll be ok. I'm not feeling great at present. I've had a few episodes. I can tell you it's not a fun space to be in. But I'll go out and have a hit (at training), hopefully, I'm ok,” he added.
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Further talking about the game against Afghanistan, Smith praised the Hashmatullah Shahidi-led side as an all-around threat with performers across all departments. "They've won some key moments in games against some good teams and clearly their spinners are a big threat, they're quality bowlers and they've got some batters, particularly at the top of the order, that are taking the game on and can take it away from you," said Smith.