Australia’s stand-in cricket captain, Steve Smith, has confirmed that he will still travel to Dubai to join his teammates later this week, despite sustaining an injury to his right elbow. The injury occurred during the Big Bash League (BBL) match between the Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder on Friday night. Smith, who had previously undergone surgery on the same elbow in 2019, was seen wearing an elbow brace and a sling following the incident. Despite this setback, Cricket Australia has confirmed that Smith, 35, will continue preparations for Australia’s upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka later this month.
The series is especially significant as Smith is set to captain the Australian team in place of regular skipper Pat Cummins, who will be sidelined due to injury. Steve Smith injured his elbow while throwing the ball in the field during the rained-out BBL match. The injury has raised concerns, especially considering Smith’s history with the same elbow. In 2019, he had surgery on his right elbow, and the recurrence of pain following this incident has understandably sparked some worry. Smith was spotted wearing a sling on Sunday, but Cricket Australia has confirmed that he has seen a specialist regarding the injury and is still set to join the Australian Test squad in Dubai later this week to continue preparations for the Sri Lanka tour. Cricket Australia’s official statement read: “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. Further updates will be shared as they are known.” Smith’s participation in the Sri Lanka tour is crucial as he steps in to captain the team while Pat Cummins recovers from his own injury. Despite the elbow issue, Smith’s commitment to traveling and preparing with the squad underlines his determination to lead the team in the absence of Cummins. Alongside Smith, there have been other injury concerns in the Australian squad. Left-arm spinner Matt Kuhnemann, who was also part of the Test squad, is recovering from surgery on his right thumb. Kuhnemann suffered the injury while playing for the Brisbane Heat in the BBL last Thursday. He underwent surgery on Friday and will remain in Australia for further recovery.
