Steven Smith feared a significant elbow injury after feeling pain during a throw in the Big Bash League (BBL) last week, which could have disrupted Australia’s plans for the Sri Lanka tour. However, after consulting a specialist, Smith was cleared to join the training camp in Dubai. He plans to resume batting within days and will lead the team for the two Tests in Galle, with Pat Cummins on paternity leave.
Smith’s pain occurred in the same elbow that underwent ligament surgery in 2019, which required lengthy rehabilitation. He felt discomfort after taking a catch, flicking it back inside the rope, and throwing the ball during the BBL match. The incident reminded him of his earlier injury. Scans, however, revealed his ligament remains intact, though there is minor muscle damage and slight ligament movement near the bone.
Smith suspects an earlier shoulder bruise from a Jhye Richardson delivery in the BBL caused the issue. The bruise forced him to adjust his throwing technique. Although the injury could limit his fielding, Smith plans to bat comfortably with some taping and field primarily close in the spin-friendly series.
Smith is on the verge of a major milestone, starting the Sri Lanka series with 9,999 Test runs after narrowly missing the 10,000-run mark during the India series. The Australian squad, now in Dubai, is training on specially prepared pitches at the ICC Academy to simulate Sri Lankan conditions.
Meanwhile, team management will provide an update on left-arm spinner Matt Kuhnemann’s availability after his recent thumb surgery for a BBL injury.
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