Key Australian batsman Steve Smith has been ruled out of the NSW team for Tuesday’s Sheffield Shield clash with South Australia because of a leg injury.
Hard on the heels of captain Michael Clarke’s hamstring problems, Smith reported quadriceps soreness following his star turn in Australia’s one day win over South Africa in Sydney on Sunday night.
Smith underwent a precautionary scan in Sydney on Monday morning, but unlike Clarke’s ongoing issues, his troubles appear minor with Cricket Australia saying he was expected to be fit for the first Test against India starting on December 4 at the Gabba.
He will undergo physiotherapy treatment and assessment in Sydney this week.
The Blues meanwhile will turn to some other big names to help lift them off the bottom of the Sheffield Shield ladder.
Australian wicketkeeper Brad Haddin will captain the star-laden NSW team after recovering from a shoulder injury for the clash with the Redbacks.
The NSW selectors have also recalled Test batsmen David Warner, all-rounder Shane Watson and fast bowler Mitchell Starc from recent international duty for the match.
However, paceman Josh Hazlewood was rested ahead of his inclusion in the first Test team.
Australian captain Michael Clarke won’t be linking up with the Blues, and is instead slated to play for a Cricket Australia XI against India starting on Friday as he attempts to prove his fitness ahead of the opening Test.
Haddin said the high profile Blues players had a duty to lift the struggling Blues.
“It’s important that our guys realise for the next four days we’re all NSW players,” said Haddin, who is expected to captain Australia should Clarke be declared unfit for the India Test.
“We’ve got a commitment to NSW to produce some good cricket and get a result.”
The 37-year-old was named to lead the Blues after being cleared to play his first match since injuring his shoulder during the second Test against Pakistan in the UAE just over three weeks ago.
Haddin said he’d tested the shoulder on the weekend and was in good form.
“I was a bit nervous the first five days I was home but over the last seven days I’ve been able to do everything pain free,” he said on Monday.
“I had a dive on Saturday and there was no discomfort at all.”
