As the anticipation for the white-ball tour of South Africa builds, Australian cricket fans have been met with disappointing news. Star players Steve Smith and Mitchell Starc have been ruled out due to injuries, dealing a blow to the team’s preparations. However, the silver lining is that both players are expected to make a full recovery in time for the highly anticipated ODI World Cup in India.
The Australian cricket fraternity has been eagerly awaiting the South Africa tour, hoping to witness the talents of Steve Smith and Mitchell Starc in action. Unfortunately, both players have been forced to withdraw due to injuries, dampening the team’s spirits but not extinguishing their hopes.
Steve Smith out with a tendon injury
Smith’s absence stems from a tendon injury in his left wrist, an ailment that is projected to keep him sidelined for up to four more weeks. The injury’s exact onset remains uncertain, but Smith was observed receiving treatment during practice sessions before the fourth Ashes Test. Despite his recent performances, including remarkable centuries against India in the World Test Championship final and the second Ashes Test at Lord’s, his form against England was below par, averaging 37.30 as compared to his career average of 58.61.
The cricketing community was eagerly anticipating Smith’s contribution to both the T20 and one-day legs of the tour, where he was set to open the batting in the T20s following his impressive performances in last summer’s KFC BBL.
Starc suffering from groin soreness
Starc’s injury, described as “groin soreness,” has been attributed to his gruelling schedule. Playing in the WTC final and featuring in four out of five Ashes Tests within an eight-week span took a toll on the left-arm pacer. His current ailment is unrelated to the shoulder injury he had been battling at the end of the previous tour.
National selection panel chair George Bailey explained the rationale behind these tough decisions. “The compacted Ashes series and the World Test Championship was a heavy load for the group, and we are taking a conservative approach to the build-up to the World Cup,” Bailey stated. With the World Cup as the squad’s top priority, Smith and Starc are expected to join the team in India, fully fit and ready for the upcoming Indian ODI series and the World Cup warm-up fixture.
Mitchell Marsh to lead the team against South Africa in ODIs, Labuschagne gets a call back
In the absence of Pat Cummins, who is recovering from a fractured wrist, Mitchell Marsh will take on the role of ODI captaincy, adding to his leadership of the T20 side for the matches against South Africa. While Cummins is anticipated to join the squad in the later stages of the South Africa tour, Smith and Starc are set to link up with the team in India.
Despite these setbacks, the Australian team remains optimistic and adaptable. Rising star Spencer Johnson, a left-arm quick, will stand in for Starc during the ODI leg of the tour. Marnus Labuschagne, who was earlier omitted from the extended 18-player World Cup squad due to inconsistencies, has been given another chance in Smith’s absence. Labuschagne’s journey to redemption could potentially see him returning to the ODI fold, as his performances in South Africa may sway selectors.
Ashton Turner’s inclusion into the T20 squad further enhances the Big Bash League’s representation in the team. With Perth Scorchers captain Turner stepping in for Smith, the T20 series promises to deliver an exciting mix of talents.
The Australian cricket landscape continues to evolve as Michael di Venuto takes on the role of head coach for the T20 leg against South Africa. Assisted by former Australian fast bowler Clint McKay and Australian women’s team assistant Dan Marsh, di Venuto’s leadership aims to steer the team towards success despite the challenges posed by injuries.
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