Image: Australia faces another challenge ahead of the Test as Steve Smith suffered a finger injury / © Cricket Australia
Australia’s preparation for the second Test against India in Adelaide hit another hurdle as star batter Steve Smith sustained a finger injury during practice. Smith was struck on his right hand while batting alongside Marnus Labuschagne, immediately halting his net session to receive medical attention from the team physio.
Though Smith returned to practice later, the full extent of his injury remains uncertain. This development compounds Australia’s concerns, as they are already grappling with Josh Hazlewood’s absence due to injury and doubts over Mitchell Marsh’s availability.
Smith’s fitness and form are pivotal to Australia’s chances of leveling the series after a crushing 295-run defeat in Perth. The former skipper has struggled recently, enduring 23 innings without a century. His slump mirrors broader issues in Australia’s batting lineup, with even Labuschagne, the No. 3 batter, finding runs hard to come by. Despite the recent struggles, Smith’s past records in BGT, depict his real potential in upcoming battles.
Adding pressure is Australia’s recent home Test record, with consecutive losses to the West Indies and India raising questions about their dominance. The pink-ball Test in Adelaide offers a glimmer of hope, given their unbeaten record at the venue. However, with key players sidelined or out of form, Australia will need significant contributions from their remaining stars to keep the series alive.