Former captain Steve Smith laid to rest any concerns about his fitness and form ahead of the naming of Australia’s World Cup squad with his first half century of this year’s Indian Premier League on Sunday.
The 29-year-old Smith, who underwent elbow surgery earlier this year, top-scored with 73 not out for Rajasthan Royals in their relatively meagre total of 139 for three in Jaipur.
Smith’s innings lasted just 59 balls but he was relatively circumspect at the start against some tight bowling from spinners Piyush Chawla and Sunil Narine.
West Indies all-rounder Narine (47) then combined with Australia’s Chris Lynn (50) in a 91-run opening partnership in 8.1 overs to set up an eight-wicket victory with 37 balls to spare.
Despite the loss, Smith’s innings would have pleased Australia’s selectors as they mull over their squad for the defence of the one-day World Cup in England and Wales.
