Smith has eyes set on the World Cup

SYDNEY: Australia star batter Steve Smith is expected to be fit, after hurting his wrist, for Australia’s ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 campaign in India in October-November.

The side will play a three-game ODI series against the hosts before featuring in the Cricket World Cup 2023. The five-time champions will hope that their star batter, who has 834 runs at an average of 46.33 in the event, is at his very best in India.

However, he’ll miss the upcoming limited-overs tour of South Africa starting on August 30. A build-up to the global mega event, Australia’s visit to Africa comprises of three T20Is and five ODIs.

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Smith was a part of Australia’s T20I squad and was expecting to open the innings after a good showing in the Big Bash League.

“It’s unfortunate, I wanted to go and open the batting in the T20s,” Smith expressed his disappointment while speaking to AAP. “Anyone would want to open in T20 cricket. It was cool to be able to show what I could do in the Big Bash. Hopefully I can replicate that internationally as well.”

Smith was the Player of the Match in the Lord’s Test, for his brilliant 110 in the first innings which helped Australia secure a 43-run win despite a major onslaught by England skipper Ben Stokes on the final day.

Smith sustained tendon damage in his left wrist while fielding in the deep on the fin