Australia Cricket Team has received a massive boost ahead of their first Test against India with their talismanic run-scorer Steve Smith declared fit to play in the pink-ball contest starting December 17 (Thursday). Incidentally, the hosts are marred with a couple of injuries including that of star opener David Warner.
Meanwhile, Smith complained of a back sore leading to the Test match as he withdrew himself from training only after 10 minutes on Tuesday. He appeared to hurt his back while doing the warm-ups at Adelaide Oval. The think tank looked worried as another Steve Smith’s injury would possibly have them in the back foot ahead of the Test.
Steve Smith declared fit
But skipper Tim Paine has come out with a positive update saying Steve Smith has been declared fit to play the first Test against India. The Aussie skipper said Smith’ no-show was precautionary and the former captain is set to take the field in the first-ever day-night encounter between India and Australia.
His preparation has been very good,” Paine said of Smith. “He’s batted for the last week since we’ve been in Adelaide. So for him to have a day off might actually be a blessing in disguise.
“He’s had a stiff back before. Yesterday was more precautionary. He’s in to train today, so we’ll see how he goes. But come tomorrow, whether he’s fit and sore in the back, or stiff in the back, I think he normally gets up, gets through it and finds a way to score runs like he always does,” Tim Paine added.
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Cameron Green to make Test debut
Speaking further, Tim Paine confirmed that the 21-year-old all-rounder Cameron Green, who suffered a mild concussion in the last warm-up game, is good to go in the first tie. As a result, Green will get his first taste of Test cricket. With Green in the team, it looks almost certain that Matthew Wade will be elevated to open to make room in the middle order.
“He trained really well with us yesterday and the reports are he’s pulled up really well this morning, so all things going well Cam Green will make his Test debut tomorrow,” said Paine.
