Steve Smith may need to play the third Test in opposition to South Africa in ache after he suffered an damage scare on the eve of the New Year’s Test in Sydney
The SCG follow nets have been notably difficult to play on and on Tuesday Smith was struck on the hand by a throwdown from coach Andrew McDonald.
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Smith recoiled in ache and instantly threw his gloves to the bottom to examine his finger.
He continued to bat however was in apparent discomfort, grimacing a number of occasions all through the session.
Smith must be match to play the ultimate Test of the summer time but it surely’s removed from perfect preparation.
WATCH THE PAINFUL INCIDENT IN THE VIDEO PLAYER ABOVE
It’s not the primary time a throwdown from an Australian coach has damage a participant in latest occasions.
Last yr, a stray throwdown from Matthew Mott broke star batter Beth Mooney’s jaw forward of the ladies’s ODI World Cup.
Australia is ready to make two adjustments to its line-up for Sydney after Mitchell Starc and Cameron Green each badly injured their fingers in the course of the Boxing Day Test on the MCG.
News Corp stories Matthew Renshaw and Ashton Agar are anticipated to return from the Test wilderness to switch Green and Starc, as selectors go for staff with six batters, 4 bowlers and no all-rounders.
Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has recovered from a facet pressure and will come into the ultimate XI on the expense of Scott Boland if Australia goes with two pacemen and two spinners on the SCG.
Australian captain Pat Cummins was coy when requested if Hazlewood or Boland was extra prone to play.
“We’ll see tomorrow. He’s (Hazlewood) a class act. He’s played 50-odd games,” Cummins stated.
“We’re 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.”
With Hazlewood firming for choice, it’s possible firebrand paceman Lance Morris will miss out on making his debut.
“We’ll see. I don’t think it’s the WACA type pace bowling friendly wicket out there, so we’ll see,” Cummins stated.
“Yesterday we had a pretty good look at the wicket, just wanted to have another look today 24 hours on. It hasn’t really changed. They’ve taken a bit more grass from it. Looks a bit more like an SCG wicket of 10-15 years ago I think.
“It’s a huge connection to India. I think with fast bowling, reverse swing is going to come into it, which we can expect in India.
“We’ll probably get more spin overs here. Our batters are obviously going to face more spin here as well. It’s a really good connection. Even personally captaining here might be different to the last few Test matches. It’s good preparation for India.”
Likely Australian XI: David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Matthew Renshaw, Alex Carey, Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins (C), Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon
Originally revealed as Australia rocked by Steve Smith damage scare on eve of SCG Test
