Australia face a significant injury scare just days before the crucial second Test against IndiaIt will start on December 6, 2024. The concern is centered around stellar bias Steve SmithDuring the net session in Adelaide on Tuesday, he was hit in the right hand. The incident compounded the team’s existing injury woes, especially after the pacer’s announcement Josh Hazlewood will miss the match due to side strain.
Scary moment at the nets for Steve Smith
During practice, Smith was getting hit by a teammate Marnus Labuschagne when the ball unexpectedly bounces and hits his fingers. According to reports, Smith immediately left the nets after receiving attention from the team’s physios, raising the alarm about the seriousness of his injury. Although he returned briefly to resume batting, uncertainty looms over whether he will be fit for the upcoming Test against India, where Australia will be aiming to bounce back from their disappointing performance in the first Test.
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We present the video:
Another injury scare for Australia!
Steve Smith is in pain after being hit on the fingers by a shot from Marnus Labuschagne. After physiotherapy, Smith left the nets. @debasissen Reporting from Adelaide #INDvsAUS #BGT2024 pic.twitter.com/jgEQO0BTuz
— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) December 3, 2024
The ripple effect of injuries
The Australian team is struggling with the absence of Hazlewood, who is already sidelined with a “low-grade left side injury”. This injury not only rules him out of the second Test but also casts doubt on his availability for the rest of the series.
Hazlewood’s absence is particularly notable given his previous performance against India. He was instrumental in dismissing the Indian batsmen for just 36 runs in their last encounter on Australian soil.
In light of these injuries, Australia called up two uncapped bowlers. Sean Abbott and Brendan Doggettto strengthen its staff. In addition, Scott Boland He is expected to return to Test cricket after playing for the last time in July 2023. Management’s decisions will be decisive as they move through this difficult period.
Marnus Labuschagne’s own injury scare
Adding to Australia’s worries, Labuschagne also had an injury scare during the same net session. The bowling coach’s promotion reportedly hit him Daniel Vettori but managed to shake it off and continue to bat. Both Labuschagne and Smith are under scrutiny for their recent performances as they have not scored a century in their last 23 innings. Their struggles have put added pressure on Australia’s batting line-up as they prepare for a must-win situation against India.
