Ace Australia batter Steve Smith will make his return to the side after missing the recent South Africa tour due to a wrist tendon injury he suffered during the Ashes 2023. Australia will play three ODIs against India starting September 22, 2023, in Mohali as a prep for the World Cup tournament.
Smith batted under light at the PCA stadium in Mohali for 2 hours ahead of the first ODI match and expressed his enthusiasm, stating that he feels like "a million bucks".
"I faced Patty (Cummins) for a bit, felt good against him, faced quite a bit of spin and lots on the 'wanger,' so it's a good start. I did lots of running, but I was still able to do that when I had the brace on. I got the brace off, not much changed, had a little injection, and feel a million bucks now,” Smith revealed to cricket.com.au.
The Australia vice-captain disclosed that he needed an additional cortisone injection to facilitate his fitness for the impending three-match ODI series against India, commencing on September 22.
"A few days after my needle, I started to feel good. I was just cautious with some catching stuff, and landing, and then I was taking it easy. But it feels good, and I'm ready to go," Smith affirmed.
Smith has played 142 ODIs scoring 4939 runs with 12 centuries and a best of 164 at an average of 44.49. He won the 2015 World Cup with the Australian team at home.
