Steve Smith's vertigo adds to Australia World Cup concerns

Star batsman Steve Smith revealed Monday that he had suffered a fresh attack of vertigo a condition that has affected him several times in recent years The 34yearold former Australia captain was hopeful of being fit to face Afghanistan in Tuesdays ICC World Cup 2023 league stage at Mumbais Wankhede Stadium but appeared to suffer further discomfort during net practice on Monday and was seen sitting head bowed under a canopy on the outfield Ive had a bit of vertigo stuff the last day or so so its just been a bit annoying Smith told reporters shortly before the training session Occasionally Ive had a few episodes so I can tell you its not the funniest space to be in but yeah Ill go out and have a hit and hopefully be OK and well see how we go he added If Smith is given the allclear it would mean Australia had all 15 members of their squad available with Mitchell Marsh having returned to India following the death of his grandfatherAlso Read The real King in our midstSmith urged the Australian players to get behind their leader Pat Cummins who has worked hard to pull the team out of a precarious position having lost two games at the startHe has improved as it has sort of gone on He has got the tempos of the game he is understanding the pace of the game a lot more and like I said he has not done it a lot so he is sort of working into it He has done a terrific job after we were particularly 02 to get us in the position where we are now We are right behind him and hopefully we can play well for him Smith saidSmith revealed dealing with the issue of vertigo as he addressed the media but hoped that he would be fine for the gameOccasionally I have had a few episodes so I can tell you it is not the funnest space to be in but yeah I will go out and have a hit and hopefully be okay and we will see how we go he saidAustralia taking on Afghanistan in a cricket game will have political notes added as well given Cricket Australia cancelling their ODI series earlier this year but Smith refused to make any comments on the issueThe Australia batter praised Afghanistan for winning key moments in this World Cup for their impressive campaign Placed at the sixth position Afghanistan still have a chance to make it to the semifinalsThey have won some key moments in games against some good teams and clearly their spinners are a big threat They are quality bowlers and they have got some batters particularly at the top of the order that are taking the game on and can take it away from you Smith saidAustralia have won the last four games having batted first and Smith hinted they could stick with the winning formula given how the other teams have performed at the WankhedeFirstly Im not sure I think at this ground we have seen South Africa scored 400odd I think batting first it can be a very good chasing ground so we have got to sum a few things up obviously before we make that decision Smith saidAlso Read Pace wins the raceWith Adam Zampa leading the bowling chart among highest wickettakers in the World Cup Smith said the legspinner has been at the top of his gameHe has progressed beautifully throughout this tournament He bowled beautifully the other night and to be fair England batters probably did not put him under as much pressure as we thought they might have done Smith said talking about his 321 against England in AhmedabadMarshs fellow allrounder Glenn Maxwell is in contention again after missing the victory over England last time out in bizarre fashion having suffered concussion as a result of falling off a golf buggy Fivetime champions Australia still need to win one of their last two group games against Afghanistan and Bangladesh to secure a place in the semifinalsWith inputs from agencies