Australia has received a major injury scare ahead of the second Border-Gavaskar Test against India. Star batter Steve Smith was forced to leave the net session on December 3 in Adelaide after being hit on the hand by a throwdown from Marnus Labuschagne.
Smith, one of several batters under pressure and in need of a strong performance, was moved back to his usual No. 4 spot after the management ended the opening experiment. However, he struggled in the Sheffield Shield while batting in the middle order, and in the first Test against India, he managed only 17 runs and a golden duck in the first innings.
Australia has already faced injury concerns with Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Marsh during the 10-day gap after the series opener in Perth. Hazlewood has been ruled out of the pink-ball Test, while Marsh has recovered just in time to play.
Steve Smith appeared to be in discomfort after being struck. He removed his gloves, walked to the side of the nets, and spoke with Marnus Labuschagne. The batter was assessed by the physio and then left, either as a precaution or for further treatment.
There is no update on the severity of the injury or its impact on his participation in the second Test. Smith was also hit on the chest while batting in the second innings of the first Test in Perth. You can watch the video here:
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Smith boasts an impressive record in day-night Tests. He is the second-highest run-scorer in pink-ball matches, just behind his teammate Marnus Labuschagne. The former captain has accumulated 760 runs in 11 games at an average of 40.
Marnus Labuschagne Also Experienced an Injury Scare Before Steve Smith
Before unintentionally causing Steve Smith’s injury, Marnus Labuschagne had his own scare during the net session. The right-handed batter was struck by a rising delivery from assistant coach Daniel Vettori. However, he resumed batting after a brief break to recover.
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Australia enters the second Test at Adelaide Oval trailing 0-1. The pink-ball match is set to start on Friday, December 6.
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