AUS vs NED: Steve Smith Gets Hit On Arm By Sean Abbott; Leaves Net Session Bloodied - Reports

Steve Smith has faced an injury scare ahead of Australia’s next game against the Netherlands in the ICC World Cup 2023. The premier batter was hit on the hand during the net session and left the practice blooded.

Australia will take on the Netherlands in their fifth game of the World Cup on Wednesday (25 October) in Delhi. Ahead of the game, they were engaged in an intense session, but batter Steve Smith was wounded as he faced a harsh cut on his arm.

Steve Smith was struck on the arm by a searing Sean Abbott delivery. After suffering a blow, the batter left the nets and was seen spending time with physios. The right-hander was seen getting bandaging on the cut he had faced.

Developing story in Delhi: Steve Smith struck on the arm by a searing Sean Abbott delivery. Has left the nets and getting attention from Aussie physio Nick Jones. Bandaging applied.https://t.co/8GPb2wwSUs

— Daniel Cherny (@DanielCherny) October 23, 2023

Steve Smith has not quite set the stage on fire in the ICC World Cup 2023. The batter has bagged a series of low scores and would be eager to make a mark. Since the last few days, he has undergone various net sessions.

His poor form has been one of the main reasons why Australia lost their first two games of the tournament. Steve Smith would be hoping to set the stage on fire in the game against the Netherlands in Delhi. He will be crucial going into the tournament ahead.

AUS vs NED: Steve Smith fit, Travis Head likely to play against Netherlands; head coach Andrew McDonald optimistic

Travis Head has missed the first four games of Australia’s World Cup campaign. He faced an injury ahead of the tournament during the South Africa series. However, he has joined the squad and is training well.

Australia head coach Andrew McDonald is optimistic about Travis Head playing the game against the Netherlands. Talking about the same, he explained (as quoted by DailyMail):

“We’re really optimistic that he will be available should all things go well today, and most importantly the way he pulls up tomorrow will be a key factor. He’s got to be skill ready, that’s the next layer. It’s one thing to be physically ready, and so that’s a big step today in the nets, the way he goes. He’ll face bowlers and he’ll give us an indication of what he can and can’t do post that session.”

It remains to be seen if Travis Head will be back for the next game. Also, Steve Smith is fit after suffering the blow and will most likely play against the Dutch.