Pak vs Aus: Steve Smith to miss white-ball series starting from March 29

Pak vs Aus: Steve Smith to miss white-ball series starting from March 29

Web Desk
March 26, 2022

Pak vs Aus: Steve Smith to miss white-ball series starting from March 29

Australian batsman Steve Smith has been rested for the white-ball series against Pakistan amid discomfort in his left elbow.

Aussies selectors believe that they have enough batting power to cover up for Smith’s batting expertise.

Recently Smith became the fastest batsman to reach 8,000 Test runs.

However, the selectors have decided to add legspinner Mitchell Stwepson as an additional bowling option.

SMith will leave for home from Pakistan alongside his other teammates including Test skipper Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and David Warner.

Moreover, Aussies all-rounder Glenn Maxwell will also be absent from the white-ball series after getting married last week.

The Kangaroos won the historic Test series 1-0 after defeating Pakistan by 115 runs in the final match.

Smith has been managing his elbow for quite some time now, and Australia has taken a conservative approach.

“It’s disappointing to miss these matches against Pakistan but after chatting with the medical staff I can see the need to take a break at this time,” Smith said.

“I do not regard this as a major issue but by staying on top of things now, we can ensure that it doesn’t become something more significant further down the line.”

Smith will also not play the Indian Premier League as he was not picked by any franchise in the auction. This will give him a chance to rest for over two months as the Kangaroos will be touring Sri Lanka where they will play all formats starting June 7.

Chief selector George Baily said that it was better for Smith to step down from the next four matches against Pakistan as Australia is set to have a tight schedule from June onwards.

“With the significant amount of cricket to come over the next 18 months, and the fact he has had an issue with the same elbow previously, it is appropriate for Steve to return home at the end of the Test series in Pakistan,” Bailey said.

“We have opted not to name a replacement batter as we feel we have options within the existing squad, and Steve’s absence offers up additional opportunities to players within the group.

“We are excited because with a T20 World Cup later this year and a 50-over Cricket World Cup in Asia next year, these four matches against a quality Pakistan team are a great chance for players to stake their claims for places in those tournaments.

“We have decided to include Mitchell Swepson in the white ball squad because it will offer us additional options in the bowling department on surfaces that may well assist spinners.

“Mitchell was part of our Twenty20 International squads in both the West Indies and Bangladesh last year, as well as at the T20 World Cup, and has been in Pakistan for the past month he is familiar with conditions. We know if called upon he will do an excellent job.”

Pakistan and Australia will lock horns in the first ODI scheduled on March 29 at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. It will be followed by a second ODI scheduled on March 31 and a third ODI on April 2.

Both teams will play the only T20I on April 5 at the same venue.

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