January 20, 2025: In an encouraging update for Australia ahead of their Sri Lanka Test series, Cricket Australia confirmed that star batter Steve Smith has been cleared to join the Test squad despite an elbow injury sustained during a recent Big Bash League match. Smith, who had injured his right elbow while attempting a throw, had initially raised concerns about his availability for the upcoming series. However, after undergoing a specialist medical review, it was confirmed that the injury was not as serious as first feared.
Cricket Australia released a statement confirming that Smith would rejoin the Test squad and travel to Dubai in preparation for the series. He is expected to return to batting later in the week and begin his preparation for the first Test against Sri Lanka, which begins on January 29, 2025, in Galle.
This is a major boost for the Australian squad, especially with Pat Cummins, the usual Test captain, already ruled out due to an ankle injury. Smith will lead the team in Cummins’ absence.
In addition to Smith, Matt Kuhnemann, the left-arm spinner, is also recovering from a fractured thumb sustained during the Big Bash League. Kuhnemann, who was named in the Test squad for Sri Lanka, is expected to resume bowling later this week and may join the squad if his recovery continues smoothly.
The two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, which is the final series of the current World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, begins on January 29, with Australia already guaranteed a spot in the final against South Africa in June. The tour will also feature ODI matches, with the first ODI scheduled for February 12, 2025 in Galle.
Australia’s Sri Lanka Tour Schedule:
- 1st Test: January 29 – February 2, 2025, Galle
- 2nd Test: February 6-10, 2025, Galle
- 1st ODI: February 12, 2025, Galle
- 2nd ODI: February 14, 2025, TBC