Cricket World Cup 2023: Steve Smith battling vertigo ahead of Afghanistan game

The Aussie side has battled a lack of availability across the World Cup, with Steve Smith the latest batsman to come under a cloud on the eve of Australia’s game against Afghanistan.

Steve Smith is dealing with a vertigo spell but expects to be available for Australia’s World Cup clash with Afghanistan on Tuesday.

The former captain was visibly grimacing as he fronted a press conference on match eve and revealed that he struggling with the issue, which he has dealt with previously.

Smith said he thought he should still be OK to play but conceded he wasn’t in a great spot.

“It’s just been a bit annoying. So hopefully I can get through training today and be all good. It’s not a nice place to be,” Smith said.

“I’ve had a few episodes so I can tell you it’s not the funnest space to be in.”

While the champion is under the weather, he was optimistic both Mitch Marsh and Glenn Maxwell would be available to return for the match from which Australia can secure a semi-final spot.

Smith remains confident he will play in the contest. (Photo by Punit PARANJPE / AFP)

Marsh has rejoined the Australian squad after returning to Perth to be with family. His grandfather Ross died on Friday.

Maxwell was meanwhile set to train on Monday after being concussed in a golfing mishap a week ago.

Smith said that while he hadn’t yet been told, he expected to drop back down the order to No. 4 if Marsh was available.

Smith has 205 runs at 29 for the tournament and said he was keen to produce more.

“It’s been a little bit disappointing at times,” Smith said.

“Definitely would have liked to have gone on with it a little bit more.”

Should Smith, Marsh and Maxwell all be cleared, Australia will be facing a selection crunch. Cameron Green is likely to make way, with the Aussies then needing to toss up whether to go in without an extra batter or omit all-rounder Marcus Stoinis, who has been in and out of the side so far this tournament through various ailments.

Cricket Australia has come under fire for agreeing to play Afghanistan in this match after cancelling a one-day series earlier in the year, but Smith said the matter was above his pay grade and would not be drawn on the finer points of the debate.

Originally published as Cricket World Cup 2023: Steve Smith battling vertigo ahead of Afghanistan game