Will go with Steve Smith's decision if he wants to skip T20 WC: Tim Paine

SYDNEY: Australian Test skipper Tim Paine has said he will go with Steve Smith's decision if he desires to skip the ICC T20 World Cup in order to be fit for the gruelling Ashes series beginning in December.

Australia's top batsman, Smith had to withdraw from the current white-ball series in the West Indies and Bangladesh due to a left elbow injury, but is hopeful of recovering in time for the T20 World Cup, scheduled to run from October 17 to November 14.

However, the former Australian captain has said that he is willing to sacrifice his participation in the T20 World Cup in the UAE if it can help him remain fit for the Ashes beginning December 8.

"What's important to me is that he is fit to go whether that is the T20 World Cup or the Ashes. Obviously, from a selfish point of view, I would like love him to be 100 per cent fit (for the Ashes) if that means he misses that tournament (T20 World Cup)," Paine said during a virtual press conference. IANS

Also Read: Jabeur makes history Novak Djokovic, Barty advance

Also watch: