Steve Smith‘s presence in Australia’s lineup for the 2023 ODI World Cup match against Afghanistan at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai is uncertain. He has been dealing with vertigo symptoms, and this may lead Australia to consider other batting options.
Despite Smith’s recent form not being at its best, he remains a crucial part of the Australian team. He has accumulated 205 runs in seven matches at an average of 29.28.
He achieved a half-century in Australia’s victory against the Netherlands in Delhi and played a significant innings of 44 runs in the recent match against England in Ahmedabad.
His position in the batting order was changed to No. 4 when Travis Head returned from injury and rejoined the team. Acknowledging that he’s not in the best condition right now, Steve Smith informed reporters 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.”
“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 hopefully I’m ok,” he added.
Smith has previously experienced vertigo during Australia’s tour of Pakistan in 2022 when he bumped his head on the ground while trying to catch a ball.
He also had a concussion incident caused by Jofra Archer during the 2019 Ashes, which led to Marnus Labuschagne becoming the first-ever concussion substitute.
Vertigo is usually a problem with balance and often connected to issues in the inner ear. For the players in the ongoing World Cup, constant air travel could worsen this condition.
With Steve Smith’s participation uncertain, the return of Mitchell Marsh and Glenn Maxwell provides a lift for Australia
Australia has faced injury issues throughout the current campaign. Marcus Stoinis had a minor problem that kept him out for a period, and Glenn Maxwell suffered a concussion from a fall off a golf cart, causing him to miss the match against England.
Mitchell Marsh had to leave the campaign for personal reasons. However, to the team’s relief, both Marsh and Maxwell are on the verge of returning, as they were seen training at the venue the day before the Afghanistan match.
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