AUS vs SA: Steve Smith suffers blow to hand during practice session

Steve Smith's injury scare on the night of the New Year's Test in Sydney may force him to play the upcoming third and final Test against South Africa while in discomfort. Playing on the practice nets at the SCG has proven to be particularly challenging, and on Tuesday, coach Andrew McDonald's throwdown struck Smith in the hand.

Smith shrieked in pain and flung his gloves to the floor before looking at his finger. While he kept on batting, it was clear that he was in pain since he frequently grimaced. Although it's not the best preparation, Smith should be able to participate in the final Test of the summer. It's not the first time recently that a player has been injured by a throwdown from an Australian coach.

Before the women's ODI World Cup last year, star batter Beth Mooney had her jaw broken due to an errant throwdown from Matthew Mott. Australia already are in trouble as Mitchell Starc and Cameron Green suffered severe hand injuries during the Boxing Day Test at the MCG. As a result, the hosts will be making two forced changes to their playing combination.

Josh Hazelwood likely to return

According to News Corp, Matthew Renshaw and Ashton Agar are anticipated to replace Green and Starc in the Test lineup as selectors choose to field a squad with six hitters, four bowlers, and no all-rounders. For Agar, it means his maiden Test on home soil, while Renshaw will don the baggy green for the first time since 2018.

Josh Hazlewood, the pacer who recently overcame a side injury, might replace Scott Boland in the starting XI if Australia chooses to bat with two pace bowlers and two spinners at the SCG. Despite Boland's brilliant performance, Australia appears to be supporting incumbent Hazlewood to pair skipper Pat Cummins. But Skipper Cummins had a rather diplomatic answer when asked which player is more likely to play.

“We will see tomorrow. He’s (Hazlewood) a class act. He is played 50-odd games. We are as disappointed as anyone to not see him play as much Test matches over the last couple of years. I thought in Perth particularly, he didn’t take a bag of wickets but he was our best bowler, he was fantastic. If he gets his chance I’m sure we’ll get back to the super Mr Consistent Joshy,” Cummins was quoted as saying by news.com.au.

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