[Watch] Steve Smith leaves net session after being hit by a throwdown from Marnus Labuschagne ahead of 2nd BGT 2024-25 TestÂ
Australia have been handed a major injury scare in the build-up to the second Border-Gavaskar series Test against India. Ace batter Steve Smith had to leave the net session midway after being struck on his hand by a throwdown from Marnus Labuschagne in Adelaide on Tuesday, December 3.
Smith is one of the several batters under scrutiny and in desperate need of a turnaround. The batter was restored to his trademark No. 4 position after the management pulled the plug on the opening experiment. However, he was not among the runs in the Sheffield Shield while batting in the middle order, and scored only 17 runs, apart from a golden duck in the first innings, in the first Test against India.
Australia have already had to deal with injury concerns to Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Marsh in the 10-day gap after the series opener in Perth. The former has been ruled out of the pink-ball clash, while the latter has recovered just in time to be available.
Steve Smith was seen in discomfort after taking the hit. He removed his gloves and walked to the side of the nets before having a word with Marnus Labuschagne. The batter was assessed by the physio, and then walked off either as a precaution or for further treatment.
There is no update regarding the extent of the injury or whether it will affect his participation in the second Test. Smith was also struck on the chest while batting in the second innings of the first Test in Perth.
Have a look at the incident in training right here:
Smith enjoys a prolific record against the pink ball. He is the second leading run-scorer in day-night Tests, narrowly behind his teammate Marnus Labuschgane. The former skipper has scored 760 runs in 11 matches at an average of 40.
Marnus Labuschagne also had an injury scare before Steve Smith
Before being the unintended inflictor of Steve Smith's injury, Marnus Labushcagne also had a scary moment during the net session. The right-handed batter was struck by a rising delivery from assistant coach Daniel Vettori. However, he continued to bat after taking some time to compose himself.
Australia head into the second Test in Adelaide Oval with a 0-1 deficit. The pink-ball clash is scheduled to begin on Friday, December 6.