Suspended Australia batsman, Steven Smith is set to go under the knife to fix his elbow injury. The 28-year old is serving a 12-month ban on his involvement in the sandpaper gate in South Africa last year; he will get his ligament repaired on his right elbow on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Steven Smith is likely to be in the brace for six weeks which will be followed by an extensive rehab.
Smith’s return an uncertainty
Steven Smith was recently in Bangladesh for the BPL 2019. He returned home only after two outings, faring poorly, scoring 16 and zero. Meanwhile, Smith headed back to undergo scans on the injured elbow. However, the injury has come as a big blow to Smith, who’s 12-month ban will get over on March 28th. Also, with the 2019 World Cup and the winter Ashes remaining in hindsight, Smith’s presence will be crucial for Australia.
Last month, Australia ODI captain, Aaron Finch said both, David and Smith will get a warm welcome upon their return.
“When Davey and Steve are ready to make their – be allowed to come back and play cricket for Australia and their states – from my point of view they’ll be welcomed back with open arms,” Finch said. “Whatever’s happened, has happened.”
“The punishment has been dealt. They’ve been working really hard off the field to meet every criteria, and go above and beyond everything that has been asked of them, to come back and play international cricket again.”
Newlands misery has hurt the Aussies
In the wake of the sandpaper gate in March last year, Cricket Australia imposed a 12-month ban on both, Steven Smith and David Warner. Alongside, opener Cameron Bancroft, who executed the plan got suspended for nine months. Though Smith and Warner are still serving their suspensions, Bancroft’s ban got lifted recently; as he had played for Perth Scorchers in the BBL 2018/19 as well.
To get the match practice, both Warner and Smith played Canada, the Caribbean and the Bangladesh premier T20 competition; plus on the home soil, they played the NSW Premier Cricket.