The Australian cricket team has faced a major injury scare ahead of the two-match series in Sri Lanka. Stand-in captain Steve Smith could miss the series against the island nation after facing injury in the 2024-25 Big Bash League (BBL).
Steve Smith suffered an elbow injury during the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL). He injured his right hand while fielding for the Sydney Sixers in their washed-out game against the Sydney Thunder on Friday. This is another example where he struggles with the elbow.
Steve Smith missed training camp in Dubai and will seek expert advice
Steve Smith looked hurt and the injury appeared to be serious as he did not travel with the team to a training camp in Dubai ahead of the two-match series against the Sri Lankan cricket team. The dropout will seek expert advice before boarding the flight.
Cricket Australia said it hoped Steve Smith would recover in time and leave later this week. However, if that doesn’t happen, the Australian national cricket team will be without a skipper as Pat Cummins has also been ruled out of the series.
If Steve Smith is forced out of the series, it opens the door for Travis Head to lead the team for the first time. The left-hander has been part of the leadership group for some time and has long served as co-captain of the team alongside Steve Smith, who is co-captain.
Plans to resume bowling this week with a view to joining the squad in Sri Lanka – Cricket Australia on Matthew Kuhnemann
The Australian national cricket team is also considering the fitness of left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann. He recently had surgery on a fractured right thumb he suffered in a game against the Hobart Hurricanes last week. But Cricket Australia is hoping for his role.
“He will remain in Australia until the surgical wound heals,” CA said. “He plans to resume bowling this week with a view to joining the team in Sri Lanka if he continues to progress well.”
If Matthew Kuhnemann fails to recover in time, left-handed all-rounder Cooper Connolly is in line to make his Test debut. He has played four first-class games but is yet to pick a wicket and it remains to be seen whether he will be picked in the squad or not.
He will seek the advice of a rehabilitation specialist this week and is likely to require a period of fitness and recovery – Cricket Australia on Steve Smith
Cricket Australia also released a statement on Pat Cummins, saying the skipper would seek the advice of a rehabilitation specialist this week. They added that they will continue to monitor his fitness until the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The statement reads:
“He will seek the advice of a rehabilitation specialist this week and is likely to require a period of physical preparation and recovery,” CA said. “The [national selection panel] will continue to monitor Cummins’ recovery leading up to the Champions Trophy.”
Pat Cummins has been named Australia’s captain for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. However, it is not clear whether the batsman will be fit by the start of the tournament.
