Steve Smith set to undergo surgery, return could be delayed
What's the story
Australian cricketer Steve Smith was handed a fresh blow as he prepares his comeback to the national team after being handed a 12-month ban by Cricket Australia, last year.
Smith, whose ban is set to end in March, had played two matches in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2019, before he sustained an injury.
He is now set to undergo an elbow surgery.
Smith surgery
Smith to wear brace for six weeks
The Aussie star will undergo surgery to repair a ligament in his right elbow on Tuesday, January 15.
Smith is then expected to wear a brace for a period of six weeks.
Further, there will be an extensive rehabilitation program once the brace is removed.
Smith returned home from Bangladesh to undergo scans on his elbow.
Smith IPL
Will he feature in the IPL 2019?
The right-handed batsman's return to the game will become clear once the brace is removed.
His ban is set to end on March 28, 2019.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019 season starts on March 23.
Therefore, it could be difficult for him to play in the T20 league, if he fails to recover.
He has a small window of opportunity.
World Cup 2019
Smith's World Cup participation in doubt as well
Smith's World Cup participation is also in doubt.
Cricket Australia had stated earlier that Smith will be in the reckoning for the national team, if he performs well in the BPL and IPL.
Smith scored 16 and 0 for his side Comilla Victorians in the BPL.
It's a race against time now as far as featuring in the IPL is concerned.
Ball-tampering
Smith was banned for a ball-tampering scandal
Smith was banned last year for his involvement in a ball-tampering scandal in the Test series against South Africa.
Smith, alongside David Warner, was handed a 12-month ban.
Cameron Bancroft was axed for nine months.
Bancroft completed his ban at the end of last month.
The ban saw the players not being able to play for Australia and domestic cricket in the country.