India vs Australia: Darren Lehmann happy with Steven Smith and Matthew Wade’s progress post injuries

Australia‘s recently-injured players are showing signs of recovery, informed Darren Lehmann. Prior to the four-Test series against India, Steven Smith and Matthew Wade were injured but have taken key steps towards recovering in recent days. Smith, who was ruled out of the recent three-match One-Day International (ODI) series in New Zealand because of a medial ligament ankle injury, has arrived in Dubai and started training. On the other hand, wicketkeeper-batsman Wade, who was appointed as stand-in captain in place of Smith for the New Zealand tour, returned without playing a game because of back spasms. He is en route Dubai and will be hoping for full recovery soon. Australia are preparing for their intense tour of India in Dubai before the first Test kicks off on February 23. India vs Australia: Kevin Pietersen reckons tourists need to master spin or else opt out

“They’re all good. So that’s a bonus, everyone fit to pick from and fit to prepare”, Lehmann was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au. Smith was expected to be fully fit before the opening Test against India in Pune. The same is expected of Wade, who experienced some discomfort in his back during the training session in Auckland prior to the first ODI against New Zealand. While Wade will continue his rehabilitation in UAE with the other members of the Australian squad, it remains to be seen what impact a 14-hour flight will have on his back.

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The only wicketkeeper for India tour, Wade and Australia’s team doctor John Orchard were positive of his participation in the second ODI in New Zealand. Unfortunately for them, the one-hour flight from Auckland to Napier provided a setback to his chances. Wade was restricted to mere walking, and was sent home for further scans. Trent Boult’s 6-for helps Kiwis win 3rd ODI; regain Chappell-Hadlee Trophy 2016-17

“He’ll be fine. He’s got on the plane. If there was any doubt, he wasn’t going to get on the plane. So that’s a good thing”, replied a confident Lehmann. He also confirmed that there were no plans to call for a backup wicketkeeper to the training camp.

“Unless something flares up during the Dubai leg or tour game (in Mumbai), we’ll stay status quo. The bonus with the squad is you’ve got someone who can keep pretty well. That’s handy, having that just in case something happens”, added Lehmann.

In New Zealand, Peter Handscomb filled in for Wade as the wicketkeeper and worked on his technique with Brad Haddin, who along with Ryan Harris had travelled with the team for the Trans-Tasman Trophy 2016-17, which Australia lost 0-2. Handscomb remains a work-in-progress as he made a few errors behind the wickets in the first ODI, which turned out to be one of the reasons for Australia’s defeat.