Australia test captain Tim Paine said Steve Smith missed the net Tuesday due to a back injury was a ‘blessing in disguise’ for his team heading into the historic day-night pink ball test. against India on December 17. After the practice session he looked a bit uncomfortable and the Australian spokesman later confirmed that he had a back injury.
Smith, who missed the net due to a comeback just 2 days before the first match of the test series against India, had cast doubt on his inclusion in Thursday’s Australian XI, but Paine said he hopes the right-hander is in. shape and good.
“Steve has had a stiff back several times before, and he does it when he hits in practice as much as he does,” Paine said. “But his preparation has been very good. He’s hit for the last week since we’ve been in Adelaide. For him, having a day off could be a blessing in disguise. “
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Paine also added that Smith didn’t hit at the net was a precautionary measure considering the day-night test in Adelaide.
“Yesterday he was more cautious … come tomorrow, I think if his back hurts, he usually gets over it and gets up and finds a way to score runs.”
Meanwhile, Paine added that 21-year-old off-roader Cameron Green is medically fit to make his test debut in the day and night game, but will not disclose whether starter Joe Burns will play.
“We’ll keep him home for now,” Paine said Wednesday.
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The Green SUV had recovered from a concussion and was ready to make its test debut.
“It’s pretty good to go,” Paine said. “He obviously trained with us yesterday, reports indicate that he has performed very well this morning. Everything is going well, Cam Green will make his test debut tomorrow. “
But the starter remains clouded with Burns on a losing streak and Marcus Harris called up as a replacement for David Warner, who has a groin injury.
Paine said promoting Matthew Wade to open was a possibility.
“It certainly is an option. . . there’s no question about that, ”Paine said. “We have several guys who are willing to open up batting. . . he’s willing to risk his body for the team. Obviously, we have a scenario where we could have different openings and several guys have raised their hands to do it if it’s the best for the team. “
Australia coach Justin Langer has not ruled out Burns, but acknowledged that the Test’s starting starter’s 62 runs in nine first-class innings have put pressure on his place in the team.
“I’ve been talking to Joe. . . I have supported Joe privately and publicly the entire time, ”Langer said. “He is a very good player. You don’t lose your talent overnight. He also understands that racing is the best currency for any player. It was light. “
India comes into the game with a solid record at Adelaide Oval, with two wins, two losses and a draw in the last five games the team has played there.
Unbelievably, one of those victories came in 2003 when Australia won the toss and hit, scoring 556 in their first innings but losing by four wickets. India came back to score 523 in its first innings, then closed out Australia for 196 in the second before scoring 233-6 to win.
Australia and India finished in square on the limited portion of the current tour, with Australia winning the ODI series and India taking the Twenty20 series.
India’s captain Virat Kohli led his team in the series opener, the first day and night test between the teams, but will then return to India to be with his wife, who is expecting the couple’s first child. in january.
India won the series here in 2018 for its first victory in a test series in Australia.
The remaining three events will be played in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.
(With contributions from the agency)
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