Steve Smith Injury Update: Cricket Australia have provided an injury update with respect to batsman Steve Smith.
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Australia batsman Steve Smith has had an unusual day today. In what looked like a stellar 26th Test century, it ended up being an exceptional 25th half-century. During his 161-ball innings, Smith was injured not once but twice – both times by England fast bowler Jofra Archer.
While Smith was first hit on his forearm, he allured a lot of attention when Archer hit him in the neck. The nasty blow saw Smith walking off the field for having more concussion Tests. It was only after half an hour that Australia fast bowler Peter Siddle got out and Smith returned back on the field.
With England bundling out Australia for 250 in 94.3 overs, the hosts have a full session to bat on the fourth day of the second Test at Lord’s. It is worth mentioning that Smith hasn’t taken field in the second innings as of now. Australia all-rounder Marnus Labuschagne is currently fielding for Smith.
Steve Smith Injury Update
Considering how things have proceeded today, Australian team management has issued an official update regarding Smith. Australia team doctor Richard Saw disclosed that Smith was given a compression bandage on the field of play to reduce the swelling on his left-arm. The right-hand batsman also took a painkiller to continue batting in the first innings.
After getting hit on the head, Smith underwent the CogSport and SCAT5 concussion assessments administered by Dr. Saw. After satisfactory assessment, Smith was deemed fit to bat after Australia fast bowler Peter Siddle got out.
“Steve [Smith] was hit on the neck below the left ear. He was assessed lying on the pitch at the instructions of team doctor Richard Saw.
“Dr Saw made the precautionary decision to remove Steve from the field of play to have him further assessed under Cricket Australia’s head impact protocol. Steve then passed his assessments and will now be monitored on an ongoing basis, as is routine,” read the statement issued by Cricket Australia.
Fortunately, Smith is out of danger. The primary reason why he didn’t take the field in the second innings was because of him undergoing for a precautionary X-ray on his sore left arm. With things looking good for Smith at the moment, expect him to both field and bat for Australia tomorrow.
