Steve Smith has been ruled out of Australia’s limited-overs tour of South Africa due to a wrist injury he suffered during the Ashes series. However, he is expected to recover in time for the ODIs in India and the upcoming World Cup. Ashton Turner, captain of the Perth Scorchers, will replace him for the T20Is, while Marnus Labuschagne has been included in the squad for the ODIs.
Smith had been grappling with a left wrist problem caused by a tendon injury during the England series. He had been slated to open in the T20Is against South Africa, following his impressive performance in the previous Big Bash League season. Nonetheless, he will be sidelined until Australia’s series against India, starting on September 22, just prior to the World Cup.
Mitchell Starc is also recovering from a groin soreness sustained in the Ashes and will join the India series after resting at home. Spencer Johnson, an uncapped left-arm fast bowler, will stay back in South Africa for the ODIs.
Mitchell Marsh will captain the ODI squad against South Africa, taking over from his role in the T20Is. Pat Cummins will join the squad during the ODI series but might not play as he recuperates from a fractured wrist.
“The packed Ashes series and the World Test Championship was a demanding schedule for the team, and we’re being cautious in the lead-up to the World Cup,” noted George Bailey, chair of selectors. “Given that the World Cup is our priority, it was decided, based on advice, that Steve and Mitchell will rejoin the team in India when they are fully fit for the Indian ODI series and the World Cup warm-up match.”
Australia had already chosen a depleted squad for the T20Is, with Cummins, Starc, Hazlewood, Green, and Warner resting due to their recent heavy workload. Ashton Agar is also unavailable due to a calf strain.
Glenn Maxwell will participate in the T20Is against South Africa but will miss the subsequent ODI series to be present for the birth of his first child. He will rejoin the squad for the India matches. Australia’s first World Cup game is scheduled for October 8 against India.
Labuschagne’s selection for the ODIs offers him an opportunity, after being left out of the initial World Cup plans. Marsh will lead the T20I side in South Africa for the first time, serving as an interim captain until a permanent appointment is made.
As for Turner, although he had been considered a potential captaincy candidate, he hasn’t played for Australia since the T20I tour of Bangladesh in 2021. Despite his successful leadership in domestic and franchise cricket, he was overtaken in the middle-order by Stoinis, David, and Wade.
Michael Di Venuto, along with Clint McKay and Australian women’s assistant coach Dan Marsh, will coach the T20 side.
