Smith Expected To Return To ODI Squad Against Australia

Smith Expected To Return To ODI Squad Against AustraliaHere’s a big moral booster for the South African cricket team. According to some media reports team skipper Graeme Smith has recovered from an injury and is expected to come back for the one-day series against Australia.

The five match ODI series between the two teams is all set to begin in Durban on Friday with a bang.

It can be recalled that Smith injured his little finger of the right hand when he was struck by a delivery from Aussie fast bowler Mitchell Johnson during the second Test in Durban.

Speaking on Smith’s recovery, team spokesman Michael Owen said, “Graeme has resumed batting. He has had some throw-downs in the nets and he is progressing.”

Due to injury problem, the 28 year old South African skipper had to miss the third Test Match against Australia in Cape Town and the two Twenty20 internationals.

Apart from skipper, the African team is also struggling as its key all-rounder Jacques Kallis is also suffering from a groin injury. Kallis is doubtful for playing the first ODI on Friday.

''We'll just have to assess him when he gets to Durban early this week,'' Owen-Smith said.

The African team has decided to pick all-rounder Van der Merwe in the first two one-dayers if Kallis fails to recover on time.

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