Australia v India 2nd Test: Steve Smith says back injury gave him ‘some nervous moments’ before Adelaide

Steve Smith insists he is in no doubt for Boxing Day, but it was a far different story on the eve of the Adelaide Test as a back injury left him with ‘some real fears’.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 18: Steve Smith of Australia bats during day two of the First Test match between Australia and India at Adelaide Oval on December 18, 2020 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Australia could be on edge for the rest of the summer, after Steve Smith revealed he feared missing the first Test with a back injury.

The world’s best batsman is confident he will be fit for Boxing Day and will relish a chance to cash in on his incredible record at the MCG for cricket’s showpiece event.

But Smith is still experiencing some stiffness and certainly didn’t quite look like himself in Adelaide, where he scored one from 29 balls in the first innings.

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Runs were a real struggle for Smith in Adelaide.

Smith broke down attempting a fielding drill 48 hours out from the opening Test, and admits he had some nervous moments before physios freed him up enough to play.

“Initially when I did it, I did have some fears. I’ve had a few back issues in the past and they’re generally two or three day things where I do lots of physio and get myself into extension,” said Smith.

“Generally when I do it, I’m in inflexion and I struggle to get into extension, so it’s just about getting the physio to push on my back and getting that extension to try and get that range back.

“It’s still a bit stiff but it didn’t hamper me too much during the game, it was all good.

“It’s something I need to manage whenever it goes. I haven’t had an episode since 2014, so hopefully they can continue to be six years apart if they come.”

Smith said he is in no doubt for Boxing Day.

Smith will be hoping for better at the MCG this weekend.

“If I sit down for too long (it stiffens up). But if I’m about and moving around I’m pretty good,” he said.

“If I’m moving around or laying down, if I just sit around for too long, it’s not great for it. I’m not worried about it – I think everything will be fine and be good to go.”

It’s hard to be amazed by Smith’s numbers when he averages 62 in Test cricket, but his eye-watering average of 113.50 at the famous MCG is particularly mind blowing.

Melbourne is his best international ground and Smith smashed an incredible 192 against India as captain back in 2014-15.

Smith was suspended the last time India toured, and is hungry to make up for lost time in the 10-year anniversary of his Boxing Day debut.

“Ten years. It’s kind of hard to believe but it’s been a while since then,” he said.

Smith was there at the end with Joe Burns to guide Australia home.

“I think I’ve grown as a player over that time. I think my Boxing Day record is my best in Australia of all the grounds. I like batting at the MCG, those big occasions, I like to try and make the most of them and help the team out.

“There’s nothing like the thrill or you get the shivers down your spine when you walk out to bat on Boxing Day.

“The crowd yelling and it’s like a dream come true in a way. As a kid I always wanted to play in a Boxing Day Test match.

“I was always watching the Boxing Day Tests at home with the family after Christmas. And to walk out on Boxing Day and play, you get the shivers down your spine and the hairs on the back of your neck raise up and it’s just a great feeling.”

Originally published as Australia v India 2nd Test: Steve Smith says back injury gave him ‘some nervous moments’ before Adelaide