Steve Smith passed a second concussion test on Saturday (September 12) and will be available for selection for the second ODI against England on Sunday (September 13). Smith had cleared the first concussion test conducted on Thursday (September 10).
Smith had missed the first ODI against England, after being struck on the head in the practice session. The absence of Smith did not prove costly for the Australian team as they won the match by 19 runs, courtesy a good overall batting performance.
Steve Smith passes concussion test
However, skipper Aaron Finch said that it was more of a precautionary measure more than anything else.
“I think it was a good decision in the end. There’s no need to take unnecessary risks with head injuries. It probably gives our selection committee a few headaches now because the top order struck them beautifully, without getting a big score. Anytime you’ve got Steve Smith coming back into the team it’s a great feeling”, Mitchell Marsh said after the game.
Marcus Stoinis who batted at number three in Smith’s absence scored an important 43 but was dismissed just as he was looking set to get a big score.
Injury Concerns For Mitchell Starc
While Smith has recovered, Mitchell Starc seems to have injury issues ahead of the second game. The pacer slipped on the field and seemed to have pain in the groin area. He bowled a spell of none for 47 in his 10 overs in the first game.
Australia head into the second game 1-0 up in the series. This happened after they lost the T20I series against England earlier. Though they lost the series, a win in the final game helped them cling onto the first position in the ICC T20I rankings.
Meanwhile, the IPL bound England and Australian players will travel to the UAE after the completion of the series from Manchester itself.
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