MOHALI: Australia’s premier batter Steve Smith said he feels “a million bucks” after taking an injection to recover from a wrist injury ahead of the opening ODI against India, here on Friday.
Smith, captain Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc joined the Australia ODI squad in India this week with all-rounder Glenn Maxwell set to link up ahead of Friday’s series opener against India to ramp up their Men’s ODI World Cup preparations, with the right-handed batter taking part in a two-hour net session under bright sunshine.
"(I was) doing quite a bit of fitness, lots of running, I was still able to do that when I had the brace on. When I got the brace off there was not a lot of change (with the injury) so I had a little injection and I feel a million bucks now, " Smith was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.
Smith required a cortisone injection to get through the Ashes in England and had to wear a wrist brace, followed by another injection to help return to full fitness, which saw him miss Australia’s white-ball tour to South Africa.
"Probably a few days after I had the needle, I started to feel good. I was a bit wary (on Wednesday) with a bit of catching and landing, so the first few I was just easing into it but it feels good so I'm ready to go, " he added.
Talking about his net session in Mohali, Smith, expected to bat at number three, said, "I'm pretty cooked to be honest, it's very hot out here. I got a good sweat on but it was nice to spend some time in the nets. I faced Patty (Cummins) for a bit, felt good against him, faced quite a bit of spin and lots on the 'wanger', so it's a good start."