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XtraTime Web Desk: Star Australian batsman Steve Smith on Monday said he has no problem in taking part in the IPL 13 if the scheduled T20 World Cup is not held in his country due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The marquee event can be postponed to 2022 if the situation of the pandemic does not improve. Smith, who was named Rajasthan Royals captain ahead of the scheduled season, said he would be open to travelling for the IPL if the Australian government thinks it is safe.

"I think when you're playing for your country at a World Cup, that's the pinnacle for one-day or T20 cricket, so of course I'd prefer to play in that," Smith said after returning to training with the New South Wales squad on Monday.

"But if that doesn't happen and the IPL's there, and they postpone it, then so be it. IPL's also a terrific tournament as a domestic tournament.

"So that's out of everyone's control at the moment, players are just doing what we're told and going where we need to go and playing whatever's on at that stage."

Other top Australian and New South Wales cricketers like David Warner, Mitchell Starc also resumed training on Monday at the Sydney Olympic Park. Former Australian captain Steve Smith said he is in his best shape after putting the bat aside for two months to focus on physical and mental fitness.

“I’m probably in the best shape I’ve been in in years, doing lots of running, lots of gym stuff at home. It’s been a couple of months of good hard work,” Smith was quoted as saying by the ‘Sydney Morning Herald’.

He added, “I haven’t touched a bat, really. A couple of little drills at home but that’s about it. I’ve just tried to switch off from it a bit, which I don’t do very often. I was just focusing on getting myself fit and strong and refreshing mentally.”