Steve Smith cleared to participate in Sri Lanka Test series after elbow injury during BBL

Steve Smith cleared to participate in Sri Lanka Test series after elbow injury during BBL

Steve Smith, the designated captain for Australia’s tour of Sri Lanka, was on Monday cleared to participate in the Test series following an elbow injury sustained during his stint with the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League.

“Steve Smith has undergone a specialist medical review today following his right elbow injury sustained during the Big Bash League. He has been cleared to rejoin the Test squad and travel to Dubai,” Cricket Australia said in a statement.

Smith was appointed captain for Australia’s Test tour of Sri Lanka in the absence of Pat Cummins, who is expecting his second child. Smith injured his right elbow while fielding for the Sixers in their BBL encounter against the Sydney Thunder.

Following the injury, it was reported that Smith would not travel with the squad for the preparatory camp in Dubai, raising concerns about his participation in next month’s Champions Trophy. However, the statement from the national cricket body confirmed that Smith would return to batting as early as this week to prepare for the tour.

Australia will play two Tests in Sri Lanka, marking its final series of the current World Test Championship cycle. The team secured its place in the final after a 3-1 win over India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and will face South Africa in the decider.