Manchester: Australian star batsman Steve Smith has been cleared to take part in the second ODI against England on Southampton on Sunday (September 13) after passing the second concussion test on Saturday (September 12). He had to undergo the second test as he got hit on the head during the training session.
Smith had earlier passed the first concussion test conducted on Thursday (September 10), but skipper Aaron Finch stated that ‘he was left out as a ‘precautionary measure’. “He got a knock on the head yesterday in practice. It’s a precautionary measure to leave him out,” Finch said during the toss of the first ODI.
“I think it was a good decision in the end. There’s no need to take unnecessary risks with head injuries,” all-rounder Mitch Marsh said. “It probably gives our selection committee a few headaches now because the top order struck them beautifully, without getting a big score. Anytime you’ve got Steve Smith coming back into the team it’s a great feeling.”
In the absence of Smith, Marcus Stoinis came up the order at No.3, where he scored a quickfire 34-ball 43 in the first ODI match on Friday (September 11) against England.
