Star Australian batter Steve Smith experienced an injury scare during a practice session ahead of the second Test against India. A throwdown from teammate Marnus Labuschagne struck Smith’s right hand, prompting immediate attention from the physio. After a brief assessment, Smith was advised to cut short his session as a precautionary measure.
Cricket Australia has not reported any significant injury, and his exit from the nets is believed to be more preventive than alarming. Earlier in the same practice session, Labuschagne himself had a minor injury incident. A rising delivery from Daniel Vettori struck the 30-year-old, leaving him momentarily on the ground.
WATCH – Alex Carey Reflects On India’s ’36 All-Out’ and Australia’s Pink Ball Confidence In Adelaide
However, Labuschagne quickly recovered and resumed his batting practice, reassuring fans and team management alike. Australia finds itself under considerable pressure heading into the second Test in Adelaide after suffering a crushing 295-run defeat in the opening match in Perth.
Is Smith hurt badly? He stopped batting after getting hurt . Hope it’s not too bad. pic.twitter.com/1VOfeNs5tn
— Vimal कुमार (@Vimalwa) December 3, 2024
Despite being optimistic before the series—especially given India’s 3-0 home loss to New Zealand—the hosts’ performance in the first Test was far from their best. Their batting lineup faltered, managing just 104 runs in the first innings.
Maruns Labuschagne suffers an injury scare while batting in the nets in Adelaide ahead of the 2nd #INDvsAUS Test Match. He was hit by a rising ball from Vettori.
Labuschagne continued to bat after the hit. @debasissen & @CricSubhayan report from Adelaide #BGT2024 pic.twitter.com/JnJx0gmP6G
— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) December 3, 2024
Both Smith and Labuschagne failed to make notable contributions in Perth, leaving the middle order heavily reliant on Travis Head, who impressed with a brisk 89 in the second innings. For Australia to bounce back and keep their series hopes alive, the top order must step up in Adelaide.
WATCH – Washington Sundar’s Hat And Sarfaraz Khan’s Mogambo Banter Light Up Team India’s Journey
Adding to the team’s woes, pacer Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the Adelaide Test due to a low-grade left-side strain. Sean Abbott and Brendan Doggett have been called up as potential replacements, emphasizing the need for depth in Australia’s bowling attack as they aim to level the series.
