Family tragedy, injury sideline Starc, Smith

A WORSENING elbow injury has forced Test star Steve Smith to withdraw from the NSW team that will take on Victoria in the Sheffield Shield match starting Thursday.

Test quick Mitchell Starc will also miss the match after his father, Paul, sadly lost his battle with cancer on Tuesday.

Starc’s Test and NSW teammate Nathan Lyon said the fast bowler was in everyone’s thoughts.

“It’s a tough time, but he knows he has all our love and support,” Lyon said on Wednesday.

Smith’s absence comes after he raised the elbow complaint following his barnstorming century for the Blues in a domestic one-day game last week.

He then turned out for NSW at the SCG against Victoria but made scores of just seven and 13, dismissed controversially in the second innings.

But he conceded he needs treatment before he can play again.

“I have had some pain in my elbow that’s gradually worsened since the Test against India at the SCG and it requires some rest and rehab,” Smith (pictured) said.

“I am hoping I will be right to travel with the Blues to Adelaide for our games down their next week but we will have to see how it responds to treatment.”

Smith had surgery on his elbow in 2019 and Lyon said his teammate could “hardly hold the bat” when he tried to have a hit on Tuesday.

“Me knowing Steve Smith the way I do, for him to miss a game of cricket when he don’t have that much on, he must be pretty sore,” Lyon said.

“Talking to him just before, he said he’s struggling to hold the bat.

“He tried to have a hit yesterday and he was in pain. It must be painful for him to miss a game for NSW.”

NSW is already without opener David Warner, who is overcoming a groin issue, but he could return for a one-day game next week.

Test fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has been rested.