Steve Smith’s Elbow Injury Delays Departure for Sri Lanka Test Series Preparations

Australia’s stand-in Test captain Steve Smith has suffered an elbow injury during the Big Bash League (BBL), raising doubts over his participation in the preparatory camp in Dubai ahead of the two-Test series against Sri Lanka. Smith picked up the injury while throwing the ball during Sydney Sixers’ rain-affected match against Sydney Thunder at the SCG.

Steve Smith Injury Details

The 35-year-old will consult a specialist on Tuesday to assess the severity of the injury. The decision on whether Smith joins the team in Dubai or directly travels to Sri Lanka will depend on this consultation. Cricket Australia (CA) sources suggest Smith could leave in a week. However, that depends on the extent of his injury.

Smith had undergone an elbow surgery in 2019. However, CA officials have clarified this issue is unrelated. Nonetheless, the injury has prevented Smith from regrouping with the rest of his team in Dubai.

Rising Injury Concerns for Australia

Australia’s injury woes extend beyond Smith. Spinner Matt Kuhnemann is recovering from thumb surgery, and while it’s not his bowling hand, his availability depends on his ability to bat and field effectively. Beau Webster also delayed his arrival in Dubai to play in the Melbourne Stars’ final league game of the BBL.

Most of the Test squad reached Dubai on January 19 for a four-day training session at the ICC Academy. The camp is crucial for acclimatizing to conditions similar to Sri Lanka, but Smith’s absence will leave him with limited preparation time.

Leadership Adjustments for the Series

Steve Smith last captained the Australian side in an ODI in 2023. Smith has stepped in as a part-time captain any time skipper Pat Cummins has been unavailable. Smith was the full-time captain of Australia before the famous ‘sandpaper’ scandal saw him being banned. Travis Head has been appointed as Smith’s deputy for the Sri Lanka tour. Cummins is currently batting an ankle injury and hence Smith is expected to lead the side in Sri Lanka.

Spin is expected to play a vital role in Sri Lanka. Australia will rely heavily on Nathan Lyon and Todd Murphy, their two off-spinners in the squad. If Kuhnemann isn’t fit in time, the team will need to make strategic adjustments to their spin attack.

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