Steven Smith prepares to slog with Jonny Bairstow looking on © Associated Press
Steve Smith remains an injury doubt for the second ODI against England after sustaining a blow to the head in training.
Smith, the world’s No. 1-ranked batsman in Test cricket, was ruled out of the first ODI at Emirates Old Trafford on Friday after he was hit in the nets on Thursday. He is understood to have subsequently undergone a concussion test and was omitted from the side “as a precautionary measure” in the words of Australian captain, Aaron Finch.
A spokesperson for the Australia team confirmed Smith would undergo a further assessment on Saturday before any decision is made about his availability for the second ODI on Sunday afternoon.
Smith is understood to have been facing throw-downs from one of the Australia coaching staff at the time the incident took place.
Smith suffered a concussion injury on Australia’s previous visit to England. Despite leaving the field for medical tests after he was hit on the neck by a 92mph delivery from Jofra Archer during the Lord’s Test last year, Smith resumed his innings less than an hour later but then reported symptoms of concussion overnight and was ruled out of the remainder of the game. He subsequently missed the following Test at Leeds, too.
“He got a knock on the head yesterday in practice,” Finch said at the toss for the first ODI. “It’s a precautionary measure to leave him out.”
George Dobell is a senior correspondent at ESPNcricinfo
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Source: ESPN Crickinfo