Steven Smith ‘not in a nice place’ ahead of Afghanistan challenge

Steve Smith. (Photo Source: Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images)

Ace Australian batter Steven Smith is doubtful for their upcoming ODI World Cup clash against Afghanistan. The match will be contested at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Tuesday, November 7.

While speaking on the eve of the game, the 34-year-old has been troubled by vertigo. He also indicated that he was not feeling great at the moment but is hopeful to be fit tomorrow.

“I’ve had a bit of vertigo stuff the last day or so, so it’s just been a bit annoying. Hopefully I can get through training today and be all good. But, yeah, it’s not a nice place to be. Occasionally, I’ve had a few episodes [before], so I can tell you it’s not the funnest space to be in, but yeah, I’ll go out and have a hit [in the nets] and hopefully be okay and we’ll see how we go,” Smith was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

“I think I’ll be okay. Yeah, I’m not feeling great at present but I’ll have a hit and see how we go so hopefully all good,” he added.

Smith started to bat in the nets right after the pre-match press conference and at first he showed no signs of discomfort. He began by taking a few throwdowns from the Australian support crew and took a brief intermission. After coming back he faced more throwdowns and was even seen showcasing his signature flicks and drives. He also unleashed some lofty drives while stepping down the track as well.

Smith feels his performances in World Cup ‘bit disappointing’

Steve Smith further spoke about his performances so far in the ongoing ODI World Cup in India, stating  “a little bit disappointing at times”. From seven games, he has accumulated 205 runs, including one half-century, averaging 29.28 and striking at just 86.13.

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“Yeah, it’s been a little bit disappointing at times. I’ve been in the middle of a few partnerships that have helped build a foundation for sure, but yeah, definitely would have liked to have gone on with it a little bit more. I’ve got in on some tricky surfaces, obviously the first one against India was a tricky one, the South Africa one where I felt like I was batting nicely – questionable sort of lbw and then got a good one early I suppose against Sri Lanka.

“I was batting nicely against Netherlands and then was batting reasonably the other day against England. So yeah, a couple of starts where I would have liked to have gone on with it a little bit more, but it wasn’t to be. But I still feel like I’m hitting the ball quite well, so hopefully some runs at the back-end of the tournament,” the Aussie batter added.