Cricket News Steve Smith has missed Australia's Cricket World Cup match against Afghanistan

Steve Smith has missed Australia's Cricket World Cup match against Afghanistan
Australia will be without their star batsman Steve Smith for the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup against Afghanistan in Mumbai.

Smith was not included in Australia's playing XI against Afghanistan at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Tuesday due to a recurrence of vertigo, which has plagued him on several occasions in recent years.

Australia are one win away from securing a place in the semi-finals of the World Cup 2023. In the lead-up to Tuesday's game, Smith hoped he would get better after experiencing vertigo symptoms in the days following the win over England.

While Australia were training at the Wankhede Stadium on the eve of the match, Smith was visibly troubled and uncomfortable after giving several media interviews and a long batting net session.

The right-handed batsman appeared unwell after facing throwdowns and net bowlers for more than an hour, according to news reports. He dropped to his hands and knees and then sat with his head in his hands before lying in the outfield behind the net. Australia's team physiotherapist eventually walked Smith off the field.

“I've had a bit of vertigo stuff for the last day or so. It's a bit annoying. Hopefully, I can get through the training and I'm good. But it's not a pretty place," the 34-year-old told reporters ahead of training.

"I think I'll be fine. I'm not feeling well at the moment. I've had a few episodes. I can tell you it's not a fun place to be. But I'll go out (in training) and have a hit. Hopefully I'll be fine."

Smith and all-rounder Cameron Green were left out of Australia's XI, while the team's preferred all-rounders Mitchell Marsh and Glenn Maxwell returned for the Afghanistan game, captain Pat Cummins announced at the toss.

Although Afghanistan won the toss and elected to bat, Cummins was not too worried about batting in the second innings at the Wankhede Stadium on Tuesday. Read More News

"Two changes. Steve struggled in the warm-up and he's going to miss, Cam Green also missed, and Maxwell and Marsh are in the team. Really happy with the way we've gone, five (wins) in a row, the most pleasing thing is we've got 14 so far. John got to play and everyone did well, keep it up,” said Cummins.

"It (weather conditions) is always a factor, it's a bit cooler than a month ago, and we'll be fine. We've got plenty of bowling options.