Australia are dealing with a big harm scare simply days earlier than their pivotal second Take a look at towards India, set to start on December 6, 2024. The priority centres round star batter Steve Smith, who suffered a blow to his proper hand throughout a internet session in Adelaide on Tuesday. This incident has compounded the workforce’s present harm woes, significantly following the announcement that pacer Josh Hazlewood will miss the match attributable to a facet pressure.
A daunting second within the nets for Steve Smith
Throughout the observe session, Smith was taking throwdowns from teammate Marnus Labuschagne when a ball unexpectedly bounced and struck his fingers. In response to studies, Smith instantly left the nets after receiving consideration from the workforce’s physio, elevating alarms in regards to the severity of his harm. Though he returned briefly to proceed batting, uncertainty looms over whether or not he can be match for the upcoming Take a look at match towards India, the place Australia purpose to bounce again from their disappointing efficiency within the first Take a look at.
Additionally READ: AUS vs IND: Travis Head responds to rumours of rift between Australia bowlers and batters
Right here’s the video:
🚨 One other harm scare for Australia!
Steve Smith in ache after being hit on his fingers by a throwdown from Marnus Labuschagne. After being attended by a physio, Smith left the nets. @debasissen reporting from Adelaide #INDvsAUS #BGT2024 pic.twitter.com/jgEQO0BTuz
— RevSportz World (@RevSportzGlobal) December 3, 2024
The ripple impact of accidents
The Australian squad is already grappling with the absence of Hazlewood, who has been sidelined attributable to a “low-grade left facet harm.” This harm not solely guidelines him out of the second Take a look at but in addition casts doubt on his availability for the rest of the sequence.
Hazlewood’s absence is especially notable given his earlier efficiency towards India in Pink-Ball Exams, the place he was instrumental in dismissing the Indian batting lineup for simply 36 runs throughout their final encounter on Australian soil.
In mild of those accidents, Australia have known as up two uncapped bowlers, Sean Abbott and Brendan Doggett, to bolster their squad. Moreover, Scott Boland is anticipated to make a return to Take a look at cricket after final enjoying in July 2023. The administration’s selections can be essential as they navigate this difficult interval.
Marnus Labuschagne’s personal harm scare
Including to Australia’s considerations, Labuschagne additionally skilled an harm scare throughout the identical internet session. He was reportedly struck by a rising supply from bowling coach Daniel Vettori however managed to shake it off and proceed batting. Each Labuschagne and Smith have been beneath scrutiny for his or her latest performances, with neither having scored a century of their final 23 innings. Their struggles have put further strain on Australia’s batting lineup as they put together for a must-win scenario towards India.