Steve Smith ruled out of NZ series; Wade to lead Australia

Photo: AFP

Sydney: Australian skipper Steve Smith has been ruled out of the upcoming three-match Chappell-Hadlee trophy series against New Zealand after suffering an ankle injury in the fifth One-Day International (ODI) cricket match against Pakistan.

Matthew Wade has been appointed as the captain to lead Australia against New Zealand

Smith landed awkwardly while fielding during his team's 57-run victory over Pakistan at Adelaide Oval on Thursday.

"It was decided an hour ago that I've been ruled out of the New Zealand series. I've got a medial ligament injury to my left ankle, they think it's a 7-10 day injury and I wouldn't be fit for the first game (in Auckland on Monday), I'd be very unlikely for the second game (in Napier next Thursday) and a possible for the third game (in Hamilton, February 5)," Smith was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au

Smith said he was disappointed to be ruled out but assured that the team will perform as per expectations.

"Every series is important and I would have loved to have been in New Zealand, I feel like I'm batting really well and when I'm batting well I want to keep going," Smith said.

"So it's disappointing from that aspect but we've got pretty big fish to fry in India shortly, so hopefully the boys will be able to do the job in the Chappell-Hadlee Series without me," he added.