Australia’s stand-in skipper Steve Smith will still travel and join his teammates in camp later this week in Dubai despite suffering an injury that has him in an elbow brace.
Smith sustained the injury throwing the ball while playing for the Sixers in their rained-out clash against the Thunder in the BBL on Friday night.
The 35-year-old had surgery on the same elbow, his right, in 2019 and was spotted in a sling on Sunday.
Smith is set to captain Australia again in a two-Test tour of Sri Lanka that starts later this month with Pat Cummins sidelined.
Cricket Australia confirmed Smith had seen a specialist but will still travel to Dubai to prepare for the series.
“Steve Smith sustained an injury to his right elbow whilst throwing in the field for the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League on Friday,” they said.
“He is preparing to join the test squad in Dubai later this week following further specialist input. Further updates will be shared as they are known.
“Matt Kuhnemann, meanwhile, is recovering from surgery on Friday on a fractured right thumb suffered while playing for the Brisbane Heat last Thursday.
“He will remain in Australia while the surgical wound heals further. He is planned to resume bowling this week with a view to joining the squad in Sri Lanka if he continues to progress well.
“Pat Cummins is recovering from increased left ankle soreness which was aggravated by high workloads during the Test summer.
“He will seek specialist rehabilitation advice this week and is likely to require a period of physical preparation and recovery.
“The NSP will continue to monitor Cummins’ recovery leading into the Champion’s Trophy.”
The first Test against Sri Lanka starts on January 29.
