Smith sends injury scare through World Cup camp

October 24, 2023 Sports 2 Views

Steve Smith has sent a scare through the Australian camp after he was hit during a net session.

The former skipper was collected on his right arm by seamer Sean Abbott, with the blow drawing blood.

Smith was tended to by Australia’s physios before returning to the nets, allaying any fears that he would miss Wednesday night’s World Cup clash against the Netherlands.

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The 34-year-old has endured a torrid World Cup campaign so far, managing just 72 runs in four matches at a paltry average of 18.

Steve Smith was forced to stop batting briefly after being hit on his right hand by a vicious delivery from Sean Abbott. (Nine)

Australia will be encouraged by the fact that the team’s form has drastically turned around in its last two matches against Sri Lanka and Pakistan without major contributions from Smith, who managed a duck and seven in the two matches.

While Smith endured an uncomfortable net session, there were no such concerns for Travis Head, who is poised to make his return from a broken hand.

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Head is set to be re-inserted back at the top of Australia’s batting line-up alongside David Warner.

Mitchell Marsh, who has deputised as an opener in Head’s absence, is expected to drop down to No.3, with Marnus Labuschagne likely to be omitted.