Why Steve Smith Ruled Out Of Pakistan Limited-Overs Series?

Aussie star batsman Steve Smith will be out of the play in the forthcoming ODIs and T20Is versus Pakistan, reportedly opting to rest his damaged elbow. The right-hander has struggled to accumulate the runs he is accustomed to and has been on a hundred droughts in Test cricket for a long time. Despite the fact that it is not a significant injury, Smith will then have extra time to recharge and recover from the one he suffered last year.

Notwithstanding failing to reach 3 figures, the 32-year-old played a pivotal role in Australia’s 1–0 victory in the recent 3 match Test series, hitting several important half-centuries. In the meantime, he then became the player with the quickest 8000 Test runs. To reinforce their spinning arsenal, the committee has picked wrist-spinner Mitchell Swepson as Smith’s substitute in the limited-overs series.

Mitchell Swepson Named As Replacement For Steve Smith

Cricket Australia’s Sports Science and Sports Medicine Manager, Kontouris, noted that Smith’s departure was a positive approach to bring him back completely fit and that it would also guarantee that the problem is treated before this becomes a serious one in the future.

“Given he had an injury with the same elbow last year, we felt it important to manage this proactively. Withdrawing him … means Steve will have the necessary time to rehabilitate his elbow to ensure his continuing availability and performance for Australia. But by staying on top of things now, we can ensure that it doesn’t become something more significant further down the line,” said Kontouris.

“We have decided to include Mitchell Swepson in the white-ball squad because it will offer us additional options in the bowling department on surfaces that may well assist spinners. Having been in Pakistan for the past month he is familiar with conditions,” said George Bailey.

However, George Bailey identified Swepson as a potential successor for Smith in order to expand the alternatives available in the white-ball team. Swepson just earned his Test debut but is yet to participate in an ODI for Australia, despite having played 7 T20Is before his debut in 2018.

Australia ODI and T20I squad:

Aaron Finch (capt), Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Jason Behrendorff, Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis, Mitchell Marsh, Ben McDermott, Adam Zampa, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Swepson.