Star Australia batsman Steve Smith is set to make his international comeback after a gap of 7 weeks due to a wrist injury. He will be amongst the players to watch out for in the upcoming 3-match ODI series between Australia and India as both teams finalize their plans and combination ahead of the World Cup 2023.
The 34-year-old Aussie batsman last featured in any game in the Ashes 2023 series in England in July when he suffered a wrist tendon injury, which kept him out of action for seven weeks, including missing the ODI series in South Africa earlier this month. Australia largely played a second-string side in South Africa as they missed several first-choice players due to rest and injuries, and lost the series 3-2.
Australia received a boost in the form of a fit Steve Smith and Pat Cummins, while Glenn Maxwell and Mitchell Starc are still ruled out from the 1st ODI vs India.
On the eve of the first ODI in Mohali, Steve Smith spent over two hours in the nets, facing Cummins, spinners, and also some fast balls from the sidearm thrower (also known as Wanger) to prepare for the challenge that India will post in this series.
He said he feels great physically and is ready to take on the Indian bowlers.
“I faced Patty (Cummins) for a bit, felt good against him, faced quite a bit of spin and lots on the ‘wanger,’ so it’s a good start. I did lots of running, but I was still able to do that when I had the brace on. I got the brace off, not much changed, had a little injection, and feel a million bucks now,” Smith told cricket.com.au.
Steve Smith opens up on his injury and recovery
Smith had suffered this injury during the second Ashes Test, at Lord’s, and battled the rest of the three Tests with this injury. He had initially worn a splint but that did not allay the issue and hence he had to take the injection. He was able to return to batting in the nets only last week before flying to India.
“A few days after my needle, I started to feel good. I was just cautious with some catching stuff, and landing, and then I was taking it easy. But it feels good, and I’m ready to go,” Smith added.
