Australian Team has received a big boost ahead of their two-match Test series against Sri Lanka as their batting maestro Steve Smith has been cleared by medical specialists to participate in the series. Notably, the series against Sri Lanka is set to kick off on January 29, with the second Test slated for February 6. Both matches will be played at the Galle International Stadium in Galle.
Just days before the series, the Australian team suffered a massive blow when Steve Smith picked up an injury to his right elbow while playing in the Big Bash League (BBL) 2024-2025 clash which put his chances of participating in Test series against Sri Lanka in jeopardy.
Reports circulated suggesting that Smith might miss the series due to the injury. However, Cricket Australia recently issued a statement confirming that Smith would consult with specialists before a final decision on his availability was made. Smith did not travel with the Australian team to their training camp in Dubai prior to the Sri Lanka Test series. He was scheduled to consult with a doctor before joining the team.
Steve Smith cleared to participate in Sri Lanka tour
Following his medical consultation, Smith has been given green signal. He will soon travel to Dubai to join the training camp. However, he will not immediately resume batting activities and will begin batting later in the week as part of his preparation.
"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," Cricket Australia's said in its statement.
Smith has been appointed as the captain of the Australian National Cricket Team for the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka. This appointment follows the unavailability of Pat Cummins, who will miss the series due to injury and the impending birth of his second child.
Notably, the Australia team has already secured their place in the final of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-2025 final. This series against Sri Lanka will be a perfect dress rehearsal for Australia for the all-important WTC final where the will face South Africa for the coveted trophy.
Australia's squad for Sri Lanka tour:
Steve Smith (captain), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Matt Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Nathan McSweeney, Todd Murphy, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster.