New Delhi:
The Australian legend Steve Smith, who is serving a year-long ban after the sandpaper incident in South Africa, suffered an elbow injury during the recently concluded Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). The severe injury during the premier tournament led him to be sidelined of the remainder of the tournament and had to return back home for surgery.Â
The injury was so severe that almost every cricket pundit expected him to miss the forthcoming World Cup, followed by the Ashes. However, Steve Smith had made everyone's thought to rest after returning to the nets ahead of the much-anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL).Â
Steve Smith posted a video on Instagram along with a caption saying, "Great to have my first hit back today. The elbow is feeling good!". In the video posted, Smith played some delightful shots through the cover regions, which made everyone think of just one quote, "Form is temporary and class is permanent."
His ban will be uplifted on 29th March and he will once again be raring to go. However, this remains to be seen if he can contribute in the same manner as the Australian fraternity would expect him to be. If everything goes according to the plan, his first International assignment will come in the World Cup.Â
Meanwhile, Australia will be up against India for a five-match ODI series which is scheduled to start on March 2 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad. With men-in-yellow managing to win the two-match t20 series comprehensively, it will be interesting to see if the team is able to continue their winning momentum. Further, this series will also be important for the openers and number three slot as once Steve Smith and David Warner return into the setup, it is highly unlikely that duo will sit on the sidelines.Â