Pakistan vs Australia: Steve Smith to miss white-ball series
Australian cricket team batter Steve Smith will miss the upcoming white-ball series versus Pakistan. Smith, who played a key role in helping Australia win the just concluded Test series by a 1-0 margin, will be addressing the discomfort from an elbow injury suffered last year. The Aussies have added leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson in the squad as Smith's replacement. Here are the key details.
Why does this story matter?
Missing the limited-overs series is a blow for Smith given he would have wanted to make his presence felt. However, the chat with the medical staff sees Smith miss the series. He will now want to recover and return back stronger. Australia will tour Sri Lanka in June this year and Smith would hope to be fully fit and help his side perform well.
It's disappointing to miss these matches against Pakistan: Smith
The champion cricketer said he is disappointed to miss the upcoming matches. "It's disappointing to miss these matches against Pakistan but after chatting with the medical staff, I can see the need to take a break at this time," said Smith as per Cricbuzz. Smith added taking a rest would ensure that the issue doesn't become something more significant down the line.
George Bailey on sending Smith back home
Chair of Selectors George Bailey said with a busy 18-month period ahead, it was appropriate for Smith to return home. "With the significant amount of cricket to come over the next 18 months, and the fact he has had an issue with the same elbow previously, it is appropriate for Steve to return home at the end of the Test series in Pakistan."
Smith surpassed 8,000 Test runs
In the third Test against Pakistan, Smith surpassed the 8,000-run mark in Test cricket. He achieved this feat on Day 4. Smith now has 8,010 career Test runs at an average of 59.77. He is the seventh Australian to get past 8,000 runs. Smith, who slammed 59 in the first innings, notched his 36th fifty. Overall against Pakistan, he has 981 runs at 54.50.
Fastest to 8,000 Test runs
Smith has featured in 151 innings, having played 85 Tests. Smith has now become the fastest to 8,000 Test runs. He broke the record held by Kumar Sangakkara, who took 152 innings to reach the mark. Sanga had earlier broken Sachin Tendulkar's record (154 innings).
A look at the schedule
Pakistan face Australia in the first ODI on March 29. The next two ODIs will be held on March 31 and April 2 respectively. The one-off T20I will be played on April 5. All matches will be played in Lahore.
