Ashes 2017/18: Steven Smith Cleared for Boxing Day Test despite Injury Scare

Australia skipper, Steven Smith, suffered an injury scare ahead of the Boxing Day Test match after he was hit by a ball on his hand by one of the shots played by wicketkeeper-batsman, Cameron Bancroft in nets. Smith, though has been cleared to play the fourth Test,

“There’s absolutely nothing wrong with him, he’s fine. He was confused how it actually got there. I think we all were. It hit the top of the rail and then just flicked up. I was a bit worried because Smudge said ‘heads’ and it actually hit him. I was a bit dumbfounded,” said David Warner.

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Smith, who is the highest run-scorer in the series so far, recently achieved his best Test ranking, as he notched up 945 points. He is just 16 short of best rankings in the history which was obtained by the great himself, Sir Donald Bradman.

Smith had scored 426 runs in the series in just four innings at an average of 142.00. In no case, Australia would like to miss out of Smth’s services at any point in time in the series.

The captain would also look forward to continuing his immaculate batting display.

Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that Mitchell Starc will miss the Boxing Day Test match due to the heel injury. Jackson Bird will be drafted in the playing XI in his place.

It has also been confirmed that Tim Paine has joined the Aussie camp and he will keep wickets for the side. He had a delayed arrival in the camp due to personal reasons.

The Australian team is expected to make just one forced change, as mentioned. England too will miss the services of injured Craig Overton.

The fourth Test of the series starts on December 26 in Melbourne. Australia is currently leading by a margin of 3-0 and will look to continue the winning run to inflict whit another whitewash on the visitors. The Joe Root-led England will have a steep task to get past Australia in the contest.

Though they don’t have any ‘Starc threat’ to counter in this contest, still, England will have to an onerous task going into the fourth Test.

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