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Steve Smith’s Elbow Injured Ahead Of Sri Lanka Test Series

January 19, 2025: Australia’s stand-in captain Steven Smith is facing a setback ahead of the team’s Test series against Sri Lanka due to an elbow injury sustained during the Big Bash League 2025 match between Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder on Friday. As a result, his departure for Dubai has been delayed while he consults with the medical team for treatment.

Cricket Australia confirmed that Smith will remain in Australia until his surgical wound heals and that he is expected to resume bowling this week. If his recovery goes well, Smith is planned to join the squad in Sri Lanka. This injury is particularly concerning for Smith, who has a history of elbow issues, including undergoing surgery back in 2019.

With Pat Cummins absent due to paternity leave and a minor ankle issue, Smith was set to lead the Australian team. If Smith’s injury rules him out, Travis Head, who is the vice-captain, will step in as the leader for the Test series.

The series will also see the inclusion of Cooper Connolly, the former Australia U19 Cricket World Cup captain, who is called up for his first Test squad selection. Another young talent, Nathan McSweeney, makes his return to the squad after missing the recent Border-Gavaskar Series.

Additionally, spinners Matt Kuhnemann and Todd Murphy are back in the squad, although Josh Hazlewood will miss out due to a calf injury, and Mitchell Marsh is focusing on preparations for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. Notable players like Glenn Maxwell, Adam Zampa, and Peter Handscomb have not been selected for this tour.