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Cricket Australia (CA) has been handed a massive blow after their stand-in skipper Steven Smith sustained an injury during the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) 2024-25. The veteran Aussie batter, who is all set to lead the side in Pat Cummins’ absence during the Sri Lanka tour, sustained the injury during a washout match between Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder on Friday, January 17.
According to cricket.com.au, Smith is expected to visit a specialist in the coming days in Sydney and his participation in the series will heavily rely on the inputs after the consultation. It is to be noted that Smith’s elbow issues have troubled him since 2019, following which he did undergo a surgery.
Stand-in captain Steve Smith suffers elbow injury ahead of Sri Lanka series
“Steve Smith sustained an injury to his right elbow whilst throwing in the field for the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League on Friday. He is preparing to join the Test squad in Dubai later this week following further specialist input. Futher updates will be shared as they are known,” the Australian media said.
It has to be seen if Smith gets ruled out of the two-match Test series, which is scheduled to start from January 29 onwards in Galle, Travis Head, who has been named his deputy will take charge at the helm. Moreover, it is to be noted that Smith isn’t the only one struggling with injuries as Matt Kuhnemann has also suffered a thumb injury during his side’s BBL clash against Hobart Hurricanes.
Sharing an update on Kuhnemann, CA said, “He will remain in Australia while the surgical wounds heals further. He is planned to resume bowling this week with a view to joining the squad in Sri Lanka if he continues to progress well.”
Australia’s Test squad for Sri Lanka series
Steve Smith (c), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Travis Head (vc), Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Matt Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Nathan McSweeney, Todd Murphy, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster