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[Watch] Steve Smith Hits Nets In Mohali Ahead Of First IND vs AUS ODI

image-lmsws92jSteve Smith (Twitter)

Steve Smith has hit the ground running in Mohali, just in time for the first ODI of Australia’s three-match series against India. The cricketer was recently seen hitting the nets alongside the rest of his Australian teammates, as they brace themselves for next month’s 2023 World Cup with their upcoming preparatory series.

Smith also batted in the nets earlier this month to signal his recovery from wrist injury. Having sustained the same during the 2023 Ashes in England, the injury prevented him from Australia’s white-ball tour of South Africa in August.

As part of his recent training drills, the cricketer said that he did lot’s of running and faced captain Pat Cummins in the nets amidst Mohali heat ahead of the first ODI against the hosts.

Steve Smith claims he’s feeling a “million bucks” now

Steve Smith has not played any competitive cricket since the conclusion of the 2023 Ashes in July. The wrist injury he sustained during the series prevented him from Australia’s subsequent white-ball tour to South Africa, where the visitors suffered three big defeats in the final three ODIs to concede the series 2-3 to the Proteas.

Smith returned to batting at the nets last week after having taken a cortisone injection to help him overcome his injury. The batting legend seems to be piling on over his newfound rhythm, by going through an intense training session in Mohali.

The 34-year-old, while admitting to feeling “cooked” under hot Mohali conditions, said he spent a good time in the nets with skipper Pat Cummins and others. He said:

“I’m pretty cooked to be honest, it's very hot out here. I got a good sweat on but it was nice to spend some time in the nets. I faced Pat Cummins for a bit, felt good against him. I did lots of running, I was still able to do that when I had the brace on. I got the brace off, not much changed, had a little injection and feel a million bucks now.”

The first ODI between Australia and hosts India will be played at Mohali’s IS Bindra Stadium on September 22. The subsequent matches of the series will be hosted by Indore and Rajkot on September 24 and 27 respectively.

Notably, both India and Australia will also go up against each other in their respective opening fixture of next month’s 2023 World Cup in Chennai.