Reports | Injury scare for Australia as Steve Smith takes a blow to his right hand in nets before second Test
Australia’s injury woes deepen as star batter Steve Smith sustained an injury while batting in the nets. The 35-year-old was struck on his right hand by a delivery, prompting immediate medical attention and raising concerns for the hosts ahead of their next fixture against India at Adelaide.
Smith is enduring a prolonged slump having failed to score a century in his last 23 innings. Compounding Australia’s woes, Labuschagne’s form has also been underwhelming, and injuries to Josh Hazlewood, coupled with uncertainty over Mitchell Marsh's availability, add to their mounting challenges. Hazlewood was instrumental in India’s last pink-ball Test in Australia, taking 5/8 in a devastating spell that bowled India out for just 36.
Meanwhile, RevSportz reported another scare as Labuschagne appeared in discomfort after being struck by a rising delivery from bowling coach Daniel Vettori. Despite briefly sitting on the ground, Labuschagne resumed batting, alleviating immediate concerns.