Steve Smith to open the batting for Australia against South Africa in T20 career first

08.08.2023 - 05:27 news24.com

Steve Smith will open the batting when Australia meet South Africa in an upcoming Twenty20 series, selectors said, putting him in the box seat to do the job alongside David Warner at next year's World Cup.It is a remarkable renaissance for the 34-year-old, who was largely overlooked for Australia's starting XI at last year's failed T20 World Cup campaign.READ | Marsh named Australian T20 captain for SA tour, Cummins has wrist fractureSmith, who usually bats at three or four, relaunched himself as an opener for the Sydney Sixers in a short Big Bash League cameo at the end of last season, smacking two sizzling centuries.Chairman of selectors George Bailey said it earned him the right to do the same for the first time at international level in the sport's shortest format, filling a hole left by Aaron Finch's retirement."He'll open in South Africa and I guess he's the one guy out of those multi-format players who is heading across that we wanted to give him that opportunity," Bailey said after announcing the squad on Monday."It was pretty exhilarating, his innings in the Big Bash, and highlighted his skill set and what he can do."The way he played in the Big Bash, that's something we want to see replicated internationally, so it's important that he gets an opportunity to have a crack at that."He was really keen to come across and be a part of that."It gives Smith the chance to cement the spot ahead of the 2024 World Cup in the West Indies and United States.Finch's long-time opening partner Warner is being rested for the three T20s in Durban from 30 August to 3 September.In Warner's absence, any of Mitchell Marsh, Travis Head, Marcus Stoinis or even big-hitting debutant Matthew Short could open alongside Smith.Former captain

cricket Proteas Career David Warner Marcus Stoinis Steve Smith Mitchell Marsh George Bailey Usa Australia South Africa

Australia's new Twenty20 captain Mitchell Marsh said on Tuesday that the "incredible talent" of uncapped fast bowler Spencer Johnson will make him one to watch on their white-ball tour of South Africa.

Steve Smith Reveals He Picked Up Wrist Injury During Ashes Test At Lord's

Premier Australian batter Steve Smith has revealed that he was nursing an injury for the better part of the Ashes series, having wounded his wrist during the Lord's Test. The 34-year-old had torn a tendon in his left wrist during the second Test at Lord's after making a match-winning 110 in the first innings. "I did it at Lord's. I don't actually know the moment, it was when we were in the field. It wasn't until that night I was like, 'Geez, what have I done here, it's a bit sore'," Smith told 'Fox Cricket'. "I played the next game and then I had a cortisone before Old Trafford. I got back (to Australia) and I was like, 'Still not quite right. I still can't do a lot of things properly'.

Star duo Smith, Starc out of Australia's tour of South Africa

Steve Smith and Mitchell Starc have been ruled out of Australia's white-ball tour of South Africa with injuries, but are expected to be fit for the Cricket World Cup.

Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc To Miss South Africa Tour, Eye Comeback For India ODIs

Injured Australian stalwarts Steve Smith and Mitchell Starc will miss the limited-overs tour of South Africa but are expected to be fit for the ODI series in India ahead of the World Cup. Australia captain Pat Cummins is recovering from a wrist fracture suffered during the Ashes in England, while Smith is nursing a tendon injury on his left wrist, which has sidelined him for four weeks, according to Cricket Australia.

Smith and Starc out of South Africa tour with injuries

MELBOURNE : Australia batter Steve Smith and fast bowler Mitchell Starc have been ruled out of the white-ball series in South Africa through injuries, but both are expected to be back in action in India next month.

Australia Captain Pat Cummins Eyes Return During ODI Series Against India In September

Recovering from a left wrist injury, Australia captain Pat Cummins on Tuesday said he is eyeing a return to international cricket during his side's three-match ODI series against India in late September, ahead of the World Cup. Cummins, who fractured his wrist during the fifth Ashes Test at the Oval (July 27-31), has been advised rest for six weeks. The pace bowler is set to miss Australia's five-match ODI series against South Africa between September 7 and 17. Australia will play ODIs against India on September 22, 24 and 27.