Injury scare for Australia! Second-highest run-scorer in pink-ball Tests hit on thumb during practice session in Adelaide; watch video

by Admin
December 3, 2024

Australia had an injury scare during practice session on December 3 in Adelaide ahead of the pink-ball Test. Their star batter Steve Smith was hit on thumb while batting in the nets. He removed his gloves and took a look at his thumb before leaving the nets.

However, Smith got some medical attention and returned to practice. Meanwhile, Marnus Labuschagne was hit by a short ball in the nets too. But the under-fire batter Labuschagne got back up and resumed practice.

Both Smith and Labuschagne have faced criticism. While Labuschagne registered two low scores, Smith followed a golden duck with a disappointing knock of 17 runs.

Smith, Labuschagne’s pink-ball Test record

Smith is the second-highest run-scorer in pink-ball Tests. He averages 40 from 11 day/night Tests. He has 760 runs including one century and five fifties. Only Labuschagne is ahead of him with 894 runs from eight pink-ball Tests. He has four centuries, three fifties and averages 63.85 in day/night Tests.

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Injury updates and replacements

Australia have already lost the services of fast bowler Josh Hazlewood due to a side strain. Hazlewood bagged five wickets when Australia bowled out India for a record 36 the previous time these two sides played a pink-ball Test.

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While Hazlewood is out injured, all-rounder Mitchell Marsh has declared himself fit. Uncapped Beau Webster was added to the squad as his injury cover. Also, uncapped pacers Brendan Doggett and Sean Abbott have been added to the squad. It will be interesting to see whether Boland replaces Hazlewood or Doggett makes his Test debut on December 6.

Australia’s Test squad for Adelaide Test

Pat Cummins (c), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Brendan Doggett, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Nathan McSweeney, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster