Injuries Force Smith and Starc to Withdraw from South Africa Tour

Mainul Islam

August 20, 2023

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Mainul Islam

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Injuries Force Smith and Starc to Withdraw from South Africa Tour

Smith and Starc Sidelined: Injuries Derail South Africa Tour Plans

Australia’s Steve Smith and Mitchell Starc have been forced to withdraw from the upcoming white-ball series in South Africa due to injuries. However, both players are expected to stage a comeback during the Indian tour next month, following ailments incurred during the Ashes series in England.

Injury Update: Smith's Wrist and Starc's Groin Woes

Smith is presently tending to a wrist injury, while Starc is on the path to recovery from a groin soreness. These injuries were sustained amid the fervor of the Ashes series in England.

Leadership Shift: Mitchell Marsh Takes the Helm

With regular captain Pat Cummins recovering from a fractured wrist, the reins of the white-ball squad will be handed to all-rounder Mitchell Marsh. The team is slated to participate in three one-day matches and five Twenty20 fixtures in South Africa.

Prioritizing World Cup: A Prudent Approach

Chief selector George Bailey explained the decision, citing the compacted schedule of the Ashes series and the World Test Championship. With the World Cup looming, the squad is adopting a cautious stance, ensuring that Smith and Starc are fully prepared for the upcoming tournament.

India Bound: Smith and Starc Set to Return

Smith and Starc are projected to rejoin the squad during the Indian tour next month. The strategy is to have them fully fit and available for the Indian ODI series and the World Cup warm-up match.

Shift in Squad: Labuschagne and Johnson Step Up

In light of Smith’s absence, Marnus Labuschagne has been included in the Australian ODI squad for the matches against his birthplace, South Africa. Additionally, with Starc sidelined, emerging left-arm quick Spencer Johnson, originally part of the T20 lineup, is now poised for a potential debut in both white-ball formats.

Tour Kickoff: South Africa Tour Commences

Australia’s journey in South Africa is set to kick off with the opening T20 match in Durban on August 30. Following this, they will travel to India for a series of limited-overs encounters before embarking on their ODI World Cup campaign against the same opponents on October 8 in Chennai.
Last Updated: Aug 20, 2023