Follow UsAustralia’s stand-in captain Steven Smith has picked up an elbow injury before the two-Test tour of Sri Lanka, starting on January 29. Smith was named Australia’s captain for the series in the absence of Pat Cummins, who is also injured and is on paternity leave.
Smith picked up the injury while fielding for Sydney Sixers against Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League (BBL) 2024-25. As a result, Smith won’t be travelling to Dubai with the rest of the team for the training camp and will seek further advice from a specialist. If he fails to make the cut, Travis Head will lead Australia in Sri Lanka.
Left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann, who had surgery on a fractured right thumb, will continue to stay with the squad and is likely to play some part in the series.
"He will remain in Australia while the surgical wound heals further. He is planning to resume bowling this week with a view to joining the squad in Sri Lanka if he continues to progress well,” ESPNcricinfo quoted Cricket Australia as saying.
Meanwhile, Cummins is also recovering from "increased left ankle soreness" and is uncertain for the Champions Trophy despite being named in the squad.
"He will seek specialist rehabilitation advice this week and is likely to require a period of physical preparation and recovery. The [national selection panel] will continue to monitor Cummins' recovery leading into the Champions Trophy."