ICC World Cup 2023: Steve Smith Provides Massive Fitness Update After Being Ruled Out Of SA vs AUS Series

Published - 13 Sep 2023, 01:28 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:18 AM

Mitchell Starc and Steve Smith, Australia

Mitchell Starc and Steve Smith (image Credits: Twitter)

Ace Australian batsman Steve Smith recently returned to the nets for the first time after recovering from a tendon injury in his left wrist. Steve Smith expressed his delight with the progress of his recovery and described it as a good feeling to be back after some time.

Steve Smith was ruled out of the ongoing white-ball tour of South Africa. The right-handed batter sustained the wrist injury during the second Test of the 2023 Ashes series at Lord’s. He continued to play in the remaining three matches of the series despite the injury.

Hopefully Some Positive Signs – Steve Smith

In an interview, Steve Smith expressed his satisfaction with his return to the nets, stating that his wrist is starting to feel better after a prolonged injury.

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“A good first hit out today in the nets, finally my wrist is starting to feel good,” Smith was quoted as saying by Cricket Australia.

“It’s been annoying for a while. I hit them good today so hopefully some positive signs for what’s coming up,” he added.

The 34-year-old is expected to make his comeback during the three-match ODI series against India, which is scheduled to be played from September 22 to 27. This series marks the final outing for both teams before the highly anticipated ODI World Cup 2023.

I must Have Landed Awkwardly – Steve Smith

Steve Smith recalled the incident, saying that he must have landed awkwardly and that the pain was quite significant during the third Test at Headingley. He said that he struggled with certain shots due to the soreness but persevered, describing the experience as “not awful.”

“I must have just landed awkwardly. It was quite painful at Headingley (for the third Test). Even in the lead-in, I didn’t hit that much in the nets. I was just trying to find a way to hold the bat that wasn’t painful,” he further added.

Marnus Labuschagne replaced Smith in Australia’s ODI squad for the three-match ODI series against South Africa. Labuschagne made the most of the opportunity to be included in the World Cup squad. He was not part of the 15-member provisional squad for the World Cup.

Also read: “Steve Smith Comes Over, ‘Are You Angry At Me?” – Mitchell Starc Recalls An Untold Anecdote From 2017 Champions Trophy

Tagged:

Australia National Cricket Team ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 ICC ODI World Cup 2023 ICC World Cup 2023 Marnus Labuschagne Steve Smith