Stand-in Australian skipper Steve Smith suffers elbow injury ahead of Sri Lanka tour

Steve Smith has suffered an elbow injury, but the star batsman still plans to captain Australia in the two-Test series against Sri Lanka. The 35-year-old injured his right elbow while throwing on the field during a rain-abandoned Big Bash League derby match between the Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder.

Smith will seek further specialist advice, and his plan is to fly to Dubai to join the Test squad in preparation for the series against Sri Lanka. He is not the only injury concern for Australia, with left-arm spinner Matt Kuhnemann set to miss his first Test opportunity in almost two years after undergoing surgery for a fractured right thumb. Kuhnemann, who played three Tests in India in 2023, sustained the injury while playing for the Brisbane Heat in the BBL last Thursday.

Kuhnemann will remain in Australia until his surgical wound heals, but he plans to resume bowling in the coming days. Fortuitously for him, the surgery was on his non-bowling hand, leaving him a chance to feature in Sri Lanka. The first Test begins in Galle on January 29, with the second match starting on February 6.

Captain Pat Cummins is absent for this Test series due to the birth of his second child, with Smith stepping in to captain Australia in his place. Cummins is also still recovering from soreness in his left ankle. A Cricket Australia spokesperson said Cummins "may require a period of physical preparation and recovery."

Cummins has been named in Australia’s preliminary squad for the Champions Trophy in Pakistan, and chairman of selectors George Bailey is confident the star fast bowler will be fit and available for the 50-over competition.