Steve Smith expects to face Afghanistan tonight from 7:30pm AEDT despite dealing with a bout of vertigo on the eve of Australia’s crucial World Cup clash that could book them a spot in the finals with a win.
The gifted batter has dealt with the condition in the past but is confident he will be fine to play, with all-rounders Glenn Maxwell (concussion) and Mitch Marsh (personal reasons) also in line to return.
Smith appeared to be in discomfort in the nets after dealing with symptoms following the recent win over England, seen kneeling and laying on the ground.
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“I’ve had a bit of vertigo stuff the last day or so, it’s just been a bit annoying,” Smith said on Monday.
“Hopefully, I can get through training today and be all good, but it’s not a nice place to be.
“I’ve had a few episodes, so I can tell you it’s not the funnest space to be in.”
Australia faces Afghanistan tonight and then Bangladesh on Saturday, with victory in either of those matches enough to book a top-four spot and a likely showdown with South Africa in the semi-final.
Smith would like to get some quality time in the middle before then, with the right-hander struggling to make an impact on the World Cup with one score above 50 – an elegant 71 against the Netherlands.
“It’s been a little bit disappointing at times,” Smith said.
“I’ve been in the middle of a few partnerships that have helped build a foundation, but I definitely would have liked to have gone on with it a little bit more.
“I’ve got in on some tricky surfaces; the first one against India was a tricky one.
“But I still feel like I’m hitting the ball quite well, so hopefully (I’ll score) some runs at the back-end of the tournament.”
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