Steven Smith to play with pain against South Africa
Jun 19, 2016 at 9:10 PM
Australian captain Steve Smith ensured his availability for the crucial clash against South Africa in the tri-series despite not being fully fit. The skipper also confirmed that he might not play against West Indies in their final league match.
The 27-year old has been one of the most influential players for Australia during the past few years as he was ultimately made the captain of Australia in all three formats of the game. He has suffered a thigh strain against West Indies but he managed to carry on and score a crucial 74 for his team.
Steve Smith has had his problems with injuries this year as he had to fly back to Australia during the middle of IPL season after sustaining an injury while playing for Rising Pune Super Giants.
Smith had three separate net sessions ahead of South Africa clash and the captain is ready to suffer the pain to lead his team to the final of an entertaining tri-series.
“I think I can manage it,” he said. “It’s been a bit sore but I’ll have a run around today. I understand my body a lot better these days and I can manage these little injuries. It’s one of those injuries where I might not be able to go at 100 percent, but I think I’ll be right for the game.”
Smith also feels that the players should be up to the task in a packed international calendar and believes it is up to the players to choose among the games while playing.
“We have a pretty full on schedule, there’s always lots on so you don’t get those opportunities too often to get a big pre-season in. You have to run with it. That’s part of playing international sport, particularly playing cricket for Australia,” he said.
The skipper also believes that he could very well be ready for the tour of Sri Lanka despite his minor injuries which is set to begin next month as Australia tours the island nation for the first time in five years.
“Sri Lanka is still a fair way away, it’s about five weeks until the first Test match there … the body has been pretty good,” he said.