Steve Smith sustained a significant injury to his finger during a practice session in Adelaide ahead of the pink-ball Test against India, as per Indian Express. The 35-year-old, batting alongside Marnus Labuschagne, was struck on his right hand, requiring immediate assistance from the team physio. Although Smith returned to the nets later, the severity of the injury remains unclear.
Smith is enduring a prolonged slump having failed to score a century in his last 23 innings. Compounding Australia’s woes, Labuschagne’s form has also been underwhelming, and injuries to Josh Hazlewood, coupled with uncertainty over Mitchell Marsh’s availability, add to their mounting challenges. Hazlewood was instrumental in India’s last pink-ball Test in Australia, taking 5/8 in a devastating spell that bowled India out for just 36.
Meanwhile, RevSportz reported another scare as Labuschagne appeared in discomfort after being struck by a rising delivery from bowling coach Daniel Vettori. Despite briefly sitting on the ground, Labuschagne resumed batting, alleviating immediate concerns.
