Australia’s star batter Steve Smith’s participation in the World Cup 2023 match against Afghanistan in Mumbai on November 7 is in doubt as he was seen struggling with vertigo symptoms on the eve of the match.
During a practice session at the Wankhede Stadium, Smith experienced moments of dizziness and discomfort. The condition resulted in him falling to his hands and knees but Smith remains optimistic about his readiness for the game.
While Smith remains optimistic about his participation, troubling signs emerged during a training session in Mumbai.
"I've had a bit of vertigo stuff for the last day or so. It's a bit annoying. Hopefully, I can get through training, and I'm all good. But it's not a nice place to be," Smith said in a press conference.
"I think I'll be ok. I'm not feeling great at present. I've had a few episodes. I can tell you it's not a fun space to be in. But I'll go out and have a hit (at training) hopefully I'm ok," he added.
Earlier in the day, cricket.com.au reported that “Smith looked unwell after facing throwdowns and net bowlers for more than hour, falling to his hands and knees, then sitting with his head in his hands, then laying on the outfield behind the nets, before eventually leaving the ground with the team physiotherapist.”
Having won five out of seven games, Australia are currently placed at third position on the points table. A win over Afghanistan might secure their spot in the semis.
On the other hand, Afghanistan have eight points from seven games and they need to win their remaining two games against Australia and South Africa to qualify for the semi-final.
Earlier this year, Australia pulled out of a three-match ODI series against Afghanistan in protest over the ruling Taliban’s restrictions on women and girls’ education and employment. Therefore, the World Cup match between the two teams could have political tones.
Smith refrained from commenting on the issue as he said: “It is far above my pay grade… We obviously played against Afghanistan in the T20 World Cup at home recently and we are playing tomorrow so it is not a question for me.”
