Scans clear Smith after injury sends scare through Australian camp

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Steve Smith on Sunday in Sydney.

Meanwhile, the curator in charge of preparing training pitches for the Australians in Dubai is confident the touring side will be ready for the challenge of Sri Lanka after a week practising on wickets set up to play like the ones they will find in Galle.

Most of Australia’s Test stars have arrived in Dubai ahead of a five-day training camp before the first of two Tests against Sri Lanka, starting in Galle on January 29.

It is a rejuvenated Australian squad, featuring 19-year-old Sam Konstas, three-Test rookie Nathan McSweeney, 21-year-old all-rounder Cooper Connolly, as well as 18-year-old Victorian batsman Ollie Peake, who has been selected to train with the group as a development player.

There has been no shortage of Dubai golf content on the social media feeds of Australia’s best cricketers in recent days but the hard work is about to begin on spin-friendly pitches that have been tailor-made for the tourists.

Australia will train at the ICC Academy in Dubai, where they will have access to approximately 10 pitches, with different varieties of subcontinental soil. There are two centre wickets, a state-of-the-art gym – which has already been used by some players – ice baths and other recovery facilities.

In a bid to prepare for the wickets in Sri Lanka, Australia’s coaches have met with Matthew Sandery, the head curator at Dubai International Stadium and the ICC Academy.

Sandery – an experienced Australian curator who has prepared pitches in the Northern Territory, ACT, South Australia and New Zealand – said Australia’s players would have access to two centre wickets that have been specifically designed to play like the pitches they can expect in Galle.

The pitches, as well as three turf nets, will deteriorate in a similar fashion to a Test-match wicket, which the Australians hope will help their top-order ready themselves for the conditions in Galle.

Australia’s training facility at the ICC Academy in Dubai.

Australia’s training facility at the ICC Academy in Dubai. Credit: Cricket Australia

Dubai is a favoured warm-up destination for Australia because they can control the state of the pitches they are training on. After a horror 3-0 away series defeat to Sri Lanka in 2016, Australia added a Dubai training leg before heading to India for their 2017 Test tour.

There have been many previous instances of subcontinental training pitches bearing little resemblance to the wickets served up in subsequent Test matches.

“We just want to make sure that every team that comes through the ICC Academy gets what they need when they are here,” Sandery said.

“We are the best training venue in the world, with our ability to cater for all scenarios, various international clays and requirements for all domestic and international teams needs.

Scott Boland warms up for a bowl in Dubai.

Scott Boland warms up for a bowl in Dubai. Credit: Cricket Australia

“It’s great to have the Aussie team here in the UAE on their way to Sri Lanka this week. We’re glad that we can help be a part of their preparations, which will hopefully prepare the team accordingly.”

Spinner Nathan Lyon says it’s up to him and other senior players to nurture talented youngsters over the coming weeks for a tour stand-in captain Steve Smith believes will hugely benefit the youngsters in the group.

Australia last won a Test series in Sri Lanka in 2011, when Lyon debuted with a five-wicket haul in his first match.

“When I look back at my debut in 2011, I had Mike Hussey [to learn from]. He was that person for me. It’s making sure we’re on this journey together,” Lyon said. “It’s a nice balance with some experienced players and some raw and exciting talents.

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“As a senior player, it’s more about putting an arm around them and showing them a bit of care and love. It can be challenging when you are away from home and you’re in a totally different environment, foreign conditions. All the senior players’ doors are always open.

“It’s an incredible feeling inside this group at the moment and we’re on a very special journey.”

Smith, who is expected to join teammates later this week after picking up an elbow injury in the Big Bash, believes the Dubai leg of the tour will be worthwhile.

“This little block – the training and the series in Sri Lanka – is going to be a huge benefit to these younger guys,” Smith said earlier this month.

“We’re going to Dubai and trying to get some wickets that we want. Hopefully ones that just rag [spin] all over the place, and give guys an opportunity to find methods which can be successful.”

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