Steven Smith Could Miss ICC World Cup as Part of Staggered Return

Feb 5, 2019 at 5:20 PM

facebook iconlinkedin iconmail icontwitter iconWhatsApp iconTelegram icon
Steven Smith Could Miss ICC World Cup as Part of Staggered Return

Australia could deal with a huge blow as they are in danger of losing the services of their former skipper Steven Smith for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2019. The talisman batsman had recently undergone shoulder surgery and he is going through the rehabilitation process. Smith was slated to partake in ongoing Bangladesh Premier League but had to miss out due to his shoulder injury.

Meanwhile, there is no iota of doubt that Steven Smith and David Warner are going to be instrumental in the success of the Australian team. In fact, head coach Justin Langer confirmed that both the linchpins will need to prove their fitness ahead of the ODI showpiece.

Steven Smith, PSL 2019
Steven Smith. Photo Credit: Getty Images.

“We’ve got to keep working on how they are with their elbows, first. They’re going to need to get some cricket before coming back into the squad. It’s all part of the management. We’ll have to wait and see,” Australia’s coach Justin Langer said.

“[Re-integration] has been going on for some time now. We know it’s been a tough time for them, it’s been a tough time for Australian cricket, but we know the word integration has been going for the last nine or ten months, or eleven, it’s getting closer isn’t it.”

On the other hand, David Warner looks more settled to be fit for the forthcoming World Cup. Warner had suffered a minor shoulder injury and he also underwent the shoulder surgery, like Steven Smith.

Justin Langer believes it would be mad to leave out the two best Australian batsmen. However, Langer feels it is pivotal for both of them to get enough game time before the World Cup.

Ashes 2017-18, Justin Langer, Mitchell Marsh, Perth Test, Australia Vs England
Justin Langer. Photo Credit: Getty Images.

“We’re talking about two great players, we’re not talking about two really good players. Two great players who on paper we’d be crazy not to have them in the team. It’s about how much cricket they get to play between now and then. They’ll find opportunities. We’ll find opportunities, but I can’t say anything else.”

On the other hand, Steven Smith will play for Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League, if he recovers in time from his shoulder injury. Langer believes it is crucial to take into team’s perspective rather than think about the individuals.

“It’s a tough schedule as we all know but we’ve got a World Cup coming up as well,” Langer said. “We want to get as close to the World Cup squad as we can over the next 12 games [against India and Pakistan], including the two T20s. We’ve got to keep our eyes very clearly on what’s best for the team, not what’s best for individuals. That doesn’t work. It’d be hard to do that. It’d be good for some individuals to do that, but we’ve also got to win the World Cup. That’s just the schedule we deal with.

Steven Smith and David Warner will need to prove their mettle before the upcoming ICC World Cup 2019. They both are class players and there is no doubt that they can hit the ground running if they are at the top of their fitness.

Both players are going to be pivotal for Australia’s success as the team has taken a downward slope since they have been banned.

Related Article
Eoin Morgan Reveals Why The English Players Were Allowed To Participate In The IPL 2019 Before The World Cup 2019
Eoin Morgan Reveals Why The English Players Were Allowed To Participate In The IPL 2019 Before The World Cup 2019

Jul 30, 2020, 2:15 PM


Eoin Morgan Reveals Why He Sent Jofra Archer To Bowl In the Super Over During The CWC 2019 Final
Eoin Morgan Reveals Why He Sent Jofra Archer To Bowl In the Super Over During The CWC 2019 Final

Jul 16, 2020, 4:21 AM


Nasser Hussain: New Zealand Is A Mirror Image Of Their Skipper Kane Williamson
Nasser Hussain: New Zealand Is A Mirror Image Of Their Skipper Kane Williamson

Jul 15, 2020, 1:50 AM


Revealed: How Ben Stokes Calmed Down His Nerves Before The Super Over In The World Cup 2019 Final
Revealed: How Ben Stokes Calmed Down His Nerves Before The Super Over In The World Cup 2019 Final

Jul 14, 2020, 8:33 PM


Eoin Morgan Reveals His Feeling During The ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 Final
Eoin Morgan Reveals His Feeling During The ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 Final

Jul 14, 2020, 5:07 PM


Ravindra Jadeja Reacts On The One Year Anniversary Of India’s Exit From ICC CWC 2019
Ravindra Jadeja Reacts On The One Year Anniversary Of India’s Exit From ICC CWC 2019

Jul 11, 2020, 5:30 AM


Desktop Banner
Mobile Banner