Injury setback for Steve Smith ahead of Tests

Melbourne, Nov 24 (IANS) Steve Smith was ruled out of Tuesday's Sheffield Shield match but is still likely to play for Australia in the first Test against India, starting Dec 4, after picking up a quad strain, Cricket Australia announced Monday.

Smith guided Australia to a remarkable win in the fifth One-Day International (ODI) Sunday, hitting 104 from 112 balls, to secure a three-wicket victory for the home side from a seemingly impossible position.

But he complained of right quadriceps soreness following the win and underwent a precautionary scan.

"Steve’s scan showed a low grade quadriceps muscle strain and he has been ruled out of tomorrow's New South Wales Sheffield Shield game in Sydney as a result," John Orchard, chief medical officer, said in a release. 

"His current prognosis is that he is likely to be fit to play in the first Test in Brisbane in the middle of next week. He will stay in Sydney for further physiotherapy treatment and assessment over the rest of the week."