Here's Why Australia Is Without Steve Smith In The 1st ODI Against England

The One-day International series between England and Australia got underway on Friday at the bio-secure Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester. England won the toss and decided to put Australia in and when the playing XI of the tourists was announced by Aaron Finch, it left everyone by surprise with the absence of former captain Steve Smith’s name.

Finch, however, revealed that Steve Smith has missed out on the 1st ODI as a precautionary measure after he was hit on his head by the ball during the net sessions on the eve of the first match.

The Australian think-tank added that Smith is being accessed for concussion but it still not clear whether he will be available for the remaining two ODIs of the three-match series.

In Smith’s absence, Australia promoted all-rounder Marcus Stoinis at the No.3 spot. The right-hander is currently batting at a 24-ball 32 and has already stroked five fours in his innings.

Here’s what Aaron Finch said at the toss-

”We might have actually batted first, looks like a good wicket. Steve Smith misses out, he got a knock on his head while practising yesterday. Marcus Stoinis will bat at three. These games are a chance to improve, a chance to keep winning, we have played some good ODI cricket over the last season. We’re confident of moving in the right direction. Plenty of world-class players on show, should be a good series.”

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