Injury scare! Steve Smith gets hit in the nets

NEW DELHI: Star Australian batter Steve Smith sustained a blow to his right thumb while batting in the nets ahead of the second

Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Test against India at Adelaide Oval.
On Tuesday, Smith experienced a mild scare when he was struck on the right thumb while taking throwdowns from Marnus Labuschagne. For a brief moment, he stopped batting and appeared to be in significant pain while conversing with Labuschagne, according to Wisden.
A member of the Australian medical team quickly entered the nets to assess Smith’s thumb. Smith tested its movement gently and, though he felt some discomfort, decided to leave the nets temporarily.
After a short break, Smith returned to another net, appearing to have suffered no serious injury that would hinder his participation in the Adelaide Test.

In the first Test at Perth, Smith was dismissed for a golden duck in the first innings and managed only 17 runs in the second innings during a daunting run chase of 534 runs. Australia lost by 295 runs.
The Aussies will need their star batter to be in form if they are to mount a serious challenge.

In the ongoing ICC World Test Championship (2023-25) cycle, Smith has managed just 755 runs in 26 innings across 13 Tests, with a subpar average of 32.82. His tally includes only one century and four fifties, with a best score of 110.
Since his last century against England in July 2023, Smith has played 11 Tests, scoring 589 runs at an average of 31.00, with four fifties in 22 innings and a best score of 91*.