Steve Smith, who was named Australia captain for the Sri Lanka Test series, was on Monday given the green light to rejoin the squad for the pre-season camp in the UAE.

Smith had sustained an injury to his right elbow during a Big Bash League game and underwent scans.

The 35-year-old has now been cleared to rejoin the squad and is set to resume batting later this week.

“Steve Smith has undergone a specialist medical review today following his right elbow injury sustained during the Big Bash League. He has been cleared to rejoin the Test squad and travel to Dubai.

“Smith is expected to return to batting later in the week to begin his preparation for the first Test against Sri Lanka,” an update from Cricket Australia read.

The star batsman was named Australia Test captain for the Lanka tour after Pat Cummins was ruled out due to a left ankle injury and the birth of his second child.

Smith’s availability for the Lanka tour comes as a positive development for Australia. However, the team is still waiting on the fitness of left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann, who is recovering from thumb surgery.

Galle will host two Tests between from January 29 to February 2 and February 6-10, respectively.

Following the Test series, Sri Lanka will host Australia for two ODIs at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on February 12 and 14.

Source: Times of India
--Agencies