Published: Aug 25, 2016, 12:34 AM (IST)
Edited: Aug 25, 2016, 12:34 AM (IST)
Australia captain Steven Smith has been rested for the remainder of the Sri Lanka tour and will fly home ahead of the 2016-17 summer. David Warner will lead Australia in Smith’s absence in the remaining One-Day Internationals (ODI) against Sri Lanka. Australia were thrashed by 82 runs in the second ODI after they beat Sri Lanka to level the series at 1-1. Australia registered their first win of the tour by beating Sri Lanka in the first match by three wickets. With three more matches to play, this series is well poised. Smith has been one of Australia’s better batsmen on this tour and his absence may make all the difference. FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: Sri Lanka vs Australia 2016, 2nd ODI at Colombo
“I hate missing cricket, but in the long run it will do me a world of good,” Smith was quoted as saying by Cricket Australia on Twitter. “The schedule is very busy. I still want to take on the role in all three formats and do it to the best of my ability,” according to espncricinfo.com. FULL CRICKET UPDATES: Sri Lanka vs Australia 2016, 2nd ODI at Colombo
Australia’s chief selector too issued a statement. In that statement he said, “Steve has a large amount of cricket coming up in the next 12 months and we wanted to find a time for him to freshen up and these last five matches provide a good opportunity to do so. Regardless of the results of the first two matches our plan was always for Steve to take a break and refresh ahead of the ODI Series against South Africa next month. This is a great leadership opportunity for David, he has really embraced his role as vice-captain and we are confident he will do a great job in Steve’s place.”
