Australia batter Steve Smith has been ruled out of the remainder of the ongoing five-match T20I series against Sri Lanka after he suffered a concussion while fielding during the second T20I on February 13.
The Aaron Finch-led Australian team won the super over in the second encounter on Sunday at the SCG to take a 2-0 lead in the ongoing five-match T20I series against Sri Lanka.
However, Australia suffered a major jolt during the second T20I, as their star batter, Smith, suffered a concussion after landing on his head following a spectacular diving attempt to save a six in the final over of Sri Lanka’s innings when Maheesh Theekshana launched Marcus Stoinis in his direction.
At that moment, Smith, who was fielding at deep midwicket, dived full length back and to his right to catch the ball and flick it back infield in a single motion, but in the process, his head thumped onto the turf.
After that, he was seen in discomfort and the medical staff had to immediately attend to him on the field.
He will now be subject to low-level concussion protocols over the next few days and is expected to make a full recovery within a week, but he can’t take part in the remainder of the T20I series at home.
Hazlewood was quoted as saying by 'ESPNcricinfo': “When anyone dives and doesn't get up straight away, it's always a bit of concern. It's good to see him walking around now. He made his way off the field and he's walking around changing now. So, early signs are good.”
Steve Smith later provided an update on his health with a tweet. He wrote, "Thanks everyone for reaching out. My head has felt better but I will be ok."
(With PTI Inputs)
