ENG v AUS 2020: Steve Smith "tracking in the right direction" before 3rd ODI, says Justin Langer 

Smith missed the first two games of the series due to concussion scare.

Steve Smith and Justin Langer | GettyAustralia's head coach Justin Langer provided a positive update on Steve Smith, saying the star batsman is "tracking in the right direction" and will bat in the nets on Tuesday ahead of the ODI series-decider against England in Manchester the next afternoon.

Smith was rested for the first two matches due to concussion scare after being hit on his head in the nets while facing throw-downs from a coaching staff member in the build to the first one-dayer. 

Read Also:  Adam Zampa wants "world-class" Steve Smith back for ODI series decider

Langer informed Smith has resumed running and could return to the playing XI for the decider on Wednesday (September 16). 

"Fingers crossed We have been going through all the concussion protocols and he is definitely tracking in the direction. Hopefully, he will be alright for tomorrow," the coach was quoted as saying by the Associated Press

"If he doesn't come up again, we will keep his, like all of our players',  health in mind."

The visiting side definitely felt Smith's absence in the last match on Sunday, when their lower middle-order was exposed in the heat of adversity chasing the 232-run target. 

They suffered a 24-run defeat despite once being 144/2 and allowed the hosts to level the series 1-1.

 
 

By Kashish Chadha - 15 Sep, 2020

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