ENG v AUS 2020: Steve Smith set for another concussion test before second ODI

Smith was sidelined from the first ODI after a bizzare incident in the nets.

Steve Smith | GettySteve Smith is set to give another test for concussion before possibly being cleared to play the second ODI of the ongoing series against England in Manchester on Sunday (September 13). 

Smith, inarguably Australia's best batsman, missed the first game on Friday after being hit on his head in the nets. That, quite bizarrely, not by any of the team's pacemen but via a throw-down from one of the members of the coaching staff. 

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The spokesman for the visitors said even though Smith did pass the test which was immediately conducted, the team still rested him as a precautionary measure, just in case the dizziness rebounds.

"Steve Smith got a knock on the head yesterday (Thursday) in practice so it's a precautionary measure to leave him out," Australia captain Aaron Finch told Sky Sports at the toss. "(Marcus) Stoinis will bat at three."

It was also confirmed that the right-hander will have a fresh test before the second one-dayer. 

This isn't the first time Smith has missed a game for concussion. He was famously ruled out of the Headingley encounter of the last year's Ashes after going down following a blow off a bouncer from Jofra Archer at Lord's. The incident made Marnus Labuschagne Test cricket's first concussion substitute. 

Despite Smith's absence, Australia won the first game by 19 runs after one of their most impressive performances against England in recent years and also bagged crucial 10 points in ICC Super League. 

(Inputs from AFP)

 
 

By Kashish Chadha - 12 Sep, 2020

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