Steve Smith
Steve Smith (Photo- Cricket Australia)

Australia have been rocked by several injury setbacks in the buildup to the much-anticipated first Test against India. The four-match Border-Gavaskar series is set to start on December 17 with the first-ever day-night Test between the two teams. Adelaide Oval will host the series-opener.

And a day before the start of the big clash, the hosts have received some much-needed injury boost with captain Tim Paine confident both Steve Smith and Cameron Green will be fit to play at Adelaide Oval. Steve Smith gave Australia a huge reason to worry when he lasted just 10 minutes at training on Tuesday.

Steve Smith
Steve Smith (Credits: Twitter)

He left the nets in minutes as he departed alongside the team physio to have a stiff back treated. On the other hand, Green suffered a concussion in last week’s tour match between Australia A and the Indians. But fortunately for the hosts, both the players are available for the Adelaide clash.

“We expect him to play, he has had a stiff back before. Yesterday was more precautionary. He is in to train today so we’ll see how he goes. Come tomorrow whether he’s a bit sore in the back or stiff in the back he normally gets up and gets through it and finds a way to score runs like he always does,” Tim Paine told reports when asked about Steve Smith.

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The wicketkeeper further brushed aside concerns over the stiff back hindering Steve Smith’s preparations for the Adelaide encounter.

“His preparation has been very good. He’s batted for the last week since we’ve been in Adelaide. For him to have a day off might actually be a blessing in disguise,” said Paine.

Tim Paine
Tim Paine (Credits: Twitter)

Earlier on Tuesday, coach Justin Langer confirmed that Green would be making his debut as long as he had recovered from his concussion, and Paine has indicated that the highly-rated allrounder looks set to play the Adelaide Test.

“He is pretty good to go. He trained pretty well with us yesterday, reports are he has pulled up well this morning and intends to train today as well. All things going well, Cam Green will make his Test debut tomorrow which is great news for him, great news for us and great news for Australian cricket fans,” he said.

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