Australia’s star batter Steve Smith has suffered a setback ahead of the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, as an elbow injury has delayed his departure for the team’s training camp in Dubai. The injury scare has raised concerns about Smith’s readiness for the series, where he is set to captain the side in Cummins’ (paternity leave) absence.
Smith picked up the injury when throwing the ball in Sydney Sixers’ match against Sydney Thunder on Friday in the ongoing Big Bash League. Smith had surgery on the same elbow in 2019.
Smith, as per reports, is expected to join the Test teammates in Dubai later this week after undergoing a specialist assessment. The Dubai camp is a crucial part of Australia’s preparation for the upcoming series, providing players with opportunities to acclimatise to the turning conditions in Sri Lanka. The first Test begins on January 29 at Galle.