Steve Smith to undergo second concussion test after missing first ODI against England

Australia were struck with a major jolt ahead of their first ODI against England, with their stalwart Steve Smith taking a blow to his head during a net session. This even led to Smith’s oust out from the first ODI at Old Trafford.

Smith was hit on the head during a throwdown session in the nets. Surprisingly, the delivery was a throw down from a member of the coaching staff and not from a fast bowler. After being rested from the first game, the prolific right-hander is set to undergo a second test in order to be in contention to play the second ODI at Southampton.

He had already passed the concussion test conducted on Thursday but Australia captain Aaron Finch revealed that Smith was kept out from the first ODI as a ‘precautionary measure’. No fan can forget the moment when Smith was dramatically knocked down by Jofra Archer in last year’s Ashes encounter. After being struck by a 92 mph bouncer by Archer, Smith had to make way for Marnus Labuschagne, who become international cricket’s first concussion substitute.

It’s a precautionary measure to leave Smith out: Aaron Finch

“Steve Smith got a knock on the head yesterday (Thursday) in practice so it’s a precautionary measure to leave him out,” skipper Finch told Sky Sports at the toss. “(Marcus) Stoinis will bat at three,” he added.

In Smith’s absence, all-rounder Marcus Stoinis was pushed at No.3 position, where he delivered an impressive 43-run knock in a crunch situation. Australia, after being put to bat first, failed to fly off to a dominant start as they slumped to 123-5 inside 24 overs.

Stoinis, after an impressive 43, was caught by Jos Buttler off Mark Wood’s delivery. After Stoinis’ departure, Adil Rashid pulled off his leg-spin masterclass to dismiss Marnus Labuschagne (21) and Alex Carey (10).

After losing wickets in quick succession, Australia’s sinking ship was steadied by Mitchell Marsh and Glenn Maxwell. Marsh stitched 73 off 100 deliveries while Maxwell scored a quick-fire 77 off 59 to keep the scoreboard ticking. On the back of 126-run stand between Marsh and Maxwell, Australia amassed a challenging 294-run total on the board. Talking about England’s bowling force, Archer and Wood ended with three wickets each while Rashid added two scalps under his belt.