Star Australian batsman Steve Smith is expected to play the final ODI against England on September 16 (Wednesday). Incidentally, Smith was struck on his helmet during a net session ahead of the ODI series at Old Trafford. However, even after passing two concussion tests, Smith was rested in the first two ODI as per precautionary measures by the team management.
Smith was still required to go through a series of protocols that will conclude with another net session on Tuesday. Ahead of the final ODI coach Justin Langer was confident about Smith taking part in the match. Langer stated that Smith has been going through all the concussion etiquettes in the past few days and is anticipated to feature in the closing ODI.
Steve Smith likely to play final ODI against England
“Fingers crossed. We know what a great player he is, he got a blow to the head in training the day before the first game, so we’ve been going through all the concussion protocols, he’s definitely tracking in the right direction”, Langer said.
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We’re hopeful he’ll be right for tomorrow, but if he doesn’t come up again, then like always we’ll keep him healthy in mind”, the Australian coach added.
Meanwhile, with series tied at 1-1, the inclusion of Steve Smith will surely make the Aussie side stronger. So far the middle order of Australia has been under the scanner throughout the T20I and first two matches of the ODI series. The batting line-up of Australia crumbled in the last match as England courtesy of Jofra Archer and Chris Woakes clinched the crucial match.
Furthermore, Smith will add experience and class to the batting of Australia if he plays in the deciding ODI. The 31-year-old has so far scored 4162 runs in ODIs at an average of 42.5 including 9 centuries. The final match of Australia’s tour of England will be played tomorrow at Old Trafford.
After the conclusion of the tour, IPL bound players of both sides will fly to the United Arab Emirates to feature in IPL 2020.
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