Ashes 2017-18: Steve Smith struggling with fitness ahead of final Test

Australian skipper Steve Smith is likely to miss the final Test of the Ashes 2017-18. The recent reports suggest that the Australian captain complained of a sore back ahead of the final Test of the series. The hosts have already regained the Ashes with three comprehensive wins in the first three Tests. The fourth Test at the MCG ended with a drawn result after a fightback shown by the visitors.

Hence, the exit of Steve Smith from the final Test might not have a very deep impact on the hosts in the context of the series. Considering the long season coming up, the team management could pretty well rest Steve Smith for the final game. Commenting on the current form, Smith has been hitting the purple patch in the longest format of the game.

He hit his career best score of 239 in this particular series. Also, his most recent knock in the series was a ton in the second innings of the MCG Test. The final Test commences on the coming Thursday. As per the reports in Stuff.co.nz, Smith missed the most recent team practice session as well.

Starc back in the scheme of things

While Steve Smith looks like an uncertain starter for the series finale, pacer Mitchell Starc is likely to stage a comeback. The left arm premier pacer had to miss the previous Test due to a bruised heel. He was seen practising with the team in the recent session.

His fellow colleague in the national side, Pat Cummins, gave a word on Starc citing that the latter has struck fitness yet again. He remarked that Starc was bowling fast and accurate as ever in the nets. He is most likely to be back in the playing eleven for the final Test of the series.

“I haven’t spoken to him but he looked like he was bowling quick, running around and not limping. He’s really keen to play and pretty confident he can play. They’ll see how he recovers … the last couple of weeks it’s certainly got a lot better,” quoted Pat Cummins whilst speaking about Mitch Starc.

Stay updated on every cricket news and developments with CricTracker.com.