Australia's Steve Smith Is Ruled Out Of South Africa Tour Due To Wrist Injury

Steve Smith has been ruled out of the South Africa tour due to a wrist injury.

Updated on: 18 August 2023 8:04 am

Steve Smith celebrates after scoring his century against New Zealand in 3rd ODI.

In what comes as a major blow for Australia's limited-overs squad to South Africa, their star batter Steve Smith has been ruled out due to a wrist injury. Smith sustained that injury during the Ashes 2023 series. (More Cricket news)

Despite the injury, Smith will be available for the India tour and the World Cup in October. Perth Scorchers' skipper Ashton Turner will replace Smith in the T20I squad whereas Marnus Labuschagne has been added to the ODI team.

"The compacted Ashes series and the World Test Championship was a heavy load for the group, and we are taking a conservative approach to the build-up to the World Cup," Chair of selectors George Bailey said. "With the World Cup the priority of the squad, it was determined on advice that it was best for Steve and Mitchell to join the group in India by which time we expect them to be fully fit and available for the Indian ODI series, plus the World Cup warm-up fixture."

Pacer Mitchell Starc will also miss the SA tour and will join the team for the India series as he recovers from the groin injury he sustained during the Ashes tour. Uncapped bowler Spencer Johnson, who is part of the T20I squad, will also be part of the ODIs in South Africa.