Steve Smith doubtful for Australia's crucial Cricket World Cup clash against Afghanistan
Australia will continue to monitor batter Steve Smith after he suffered a recurrence of vertigo ahead of Tuesday's World Cup match against Afghanistan in Mumbai.
Australia will continue to monitor batter Steve Smith after he suffered a recurrence of vertigo ahead of Tuesday's World Cup match against Afghanistan in Mumbai.
Having recovered from their opening two defeats to win five straight games after a 33-run defeat of England on Saturday, another victory at the Wankhede Stadium would secure Australia’s place in the semi-finals.
Smith, though, could be rested after a flare-up of the condition which has hampered him previously and saw the batter in obvious discomfort as he took part in Monday’s net session.
The 34-year-old slumped onto his hands and knees, then had to lie down before eventually leaving with a member of Cricket Australia’s medical team.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of training, Smith said: "I have had a bit of vertigo stuff for the last day or so. It’s a bit annoying.
"Occasionally I have had a few episodes. I can tell you it's not a fun space to be in.
"I am not feeling great at present, but I will go out and have a hit (at training), hopefully be OK, then see how we go."
All-rounders Glenn Maxwell – who fell off a golf cart, sustaining a concussion – and Mitch Marsh both missed the England game, but trained on Monday, so could be involved against Afghanistan.
Whatever side Australia put out, Smith feels they cannot afford to underestimate Afghanistan, who themselves can still reach the semi-finals after three consecutive victories following defeat by New Zealand.
"They are going to be tough to beat, there is no doubt about that," Smith said.
"But I think we are playing some good cricket so hopefully we can have a good day, get ourselves in there and give ourselves a chance."
Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi feels his side have proven themselves capable of competing with the best.
"As a team, we are good enough to beat any opposition," he told Al Jazeera.
"We have the same calibre and are at the same level as the other teams. If they take us lightly, they will surely taste defeat."
READ MORE: Sri Lanka's Angelo Mathews first international cricketer to be timed out in World Cup clash
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