Premier Australia batsman Steve Smith, who took a knock ahead of the first ODI, is doubtful for the second match against England at Old Trafford. Smith was withdrawn from the first ODI late after taking the knock on his head. He is currently under assessment and will be re-assessed ahead of the ODI on Sunday.
A spokesperson for the Australia team confirmed Smith would undergo a further assessment on Saturday before any decision is made about his availability for the second ODI on Sunday afternoon. Western Australia batsman Marcus Stoinis had replaced him the first ODI and will look to continue in the side for the second match.
“He got a knock on the head in practice. It’s a precautionary measure to leave him out,” Australia limited-overs captain Aaron Finch had said ahead of the first ODI.
The blow to Smith came after he was felled by Jofra Archer bouncer during the Ashes last summer. He missed the third Test but returned for the final two matches in an extraordinary individual campaign.
The top-order batsman started his career as a leg-spinner. Smith started batting in a more advanced position in 2010-11. He took up the sixth position as a batsman in the Ashes and produced solid performances.
In 2013-14, he found his breakthrough. After being included in the series against India in place of four dropped players, he displayed solid performances and continued to grow as a batsman.
Today, he averages over 62 in the longest format of the game.