Revealed: Why Steve Smith isn't playing in AUS vs AFG CWC 2023 clash

Here’s why Australian batsman Steve Smith isn’t playing against Afghanistan in Mumbai.

Australia have suffered a major setback in their all-important clash against the underdogs Afghanistan. Top-order batter Steve Smith is ruled out of the clash at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai due to his prevailing vertigo problem. Wankhede is hosting a crucial game between Australia and Afghanistan as both are aiming at a spot in the semi-finals of ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 table. Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi won the toss and elected to bat first.

Australian captain Pat Cummins informed at the toss that Smith is missing out on action due to his struggle in Monday’s practice session and he is dealing with Vertigo even leading up to the game at Wankhede on Tuesday. Cummins said, “Steve struggled in the warm-ups and he’s going to miss out, Cam Green misses out as well, Maxwell and Marsh are in.” Mitchell Marsh will be batting at number 3 for Australia.

Steve Smith informed about Vertigo problem on Monday

Earlier on Monday Australian batter Steve Smith informed at the press conference that he is dealing with vertigo and had to skip practice despite being present at the ground. Smith said, “I have had a bit of vertigo stuff the last day or so, so it has just been a bit annoying. So, hopefully, I can get through training today and be all good. But, yeah, it is not a nice place to be.” Steve was there in the practice session but he was not feeling well and had to walk back to rest.

Steve Smith was hoping for a better situation on Tuesday heading into the game but he had the same problem persisting while leading up to the game as well at Wankhede Stadium. Afghanistan’s skipper won the toss and elected to bat against Australia. Hashmatullah Shahidi said they have chased down totals nicely and now they want to try to defend totals heading up to their two most important games in their history.

Afghanistan have a golden chance to qualify for the World Cup semi-finals. If they manage to beat Australia and South Africa they can join India and South Africa in World Cup 2023 semi-finals. Afghanistan have defeated England, Pakistan, Netherlands and Sri Lanka in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. Australia need just one win to secure their place in the semi-finals. Australia are on a dominating run in the World Cup 2023 after losing first two games.

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