Steve Smith has been medically cleared to rejoin the national squad after recovering from a recent elbow injury
20 January, 2025
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PHOTO: AFP
Australia’s batter Steve Smith has been medically cleared to rejoin the national squad after recovering from a recent elbow injury, Cricket Australia (CA) confirmed on Monday.
Smith, 35, sustained the injury to his right elbow during a Big Bash League (BBL) match for the Sydney Sixers against the Sydney Thunder. The match was eventually washed out, but the injury raised doubts about Smith’s availability for Australia’s upcoming two-match Test series in Sri Lanka.
Further speculation arose when Smith chose not to travel with the team to their training camp in Dubai, opting instead to seek advice from a specialist. However, following a medical review, he has now received clearance to resume cricketing activities and will travel to Dubai to rejoin his teammates.
“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,” Cricket Australia stated.
The right-handed batter is expected to start batting practice later this week in preparation for the Test series against Sri Lanka, where he is set to lead the team.
Smith’s recovery is a significant relief for Australia, who are already dealing with fitness concerns for their captain in longer formats, Pat Cummins. The pace bowler is recovering from left ankle soreness after bowling extensively in the recent five-match Test series against India.
Cummins has been named captain of Australia’s preliminary squad for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, but his participation remains uncertain. “He will seek specialist rehabilitation advice this week and is likely to require a period of physical preparation and recovery,” CA stated.
Australia's Squad for Champions Trophy 2025:
Pat Cummins (c), Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.
