Smith’s return date in doubt following surgery
While Australia’s former skipper’s elbow surgery has been hailed as a success, there is doubt about when the player will return to cricket following rehabilitation. The injury also puts doubt on whether he will make it to the 2019 World Cup which is scheduled for May 30 this year.
The star batsman was playing in the Bangladesh Premier League before a relapse to the injury. He went under the doctor’s knife on Monday and will reportedly be in a brace for six weeks. His international ban comes to an end on March 29 but he will not start his rehabilitation before late February. Since he will need weeks to gain muscle strength and fitness, there is doubt about whether Smith will be available mid-March for the ODI series against Pakistan, which is Australia's last series ahead of the World Cup.
“There is the distinct possibility Smith will not have played at any level for three months when selectors decide their World Cup squad, which must be finalised by April 23,” wrote the Sydney Morning Herald.
The time frame has him in doubt for an immediate return to the national team even as there is a widespread view that he will be picked because of his excellent record.
Comments