Australia’s star batsman, Steve Smith, has caused worry for the team ahead of the second Test in Adelaide during the BGT 2024-25 series. Smith, who only made 17 runs in the first Test in Perth, got injured in his finger while practicing in the nets.
Injury Scare for Steve Smith
In a net session before the Adelaide Test, Smith was seen in discomfort after being hit by a ball from his teammate, Marnus Labuschagne. This injury has caused concern as Australia prepares for the important day-night test against India.
The injury came after a tough outing for Smith in Perth, where Australia lost to India in the first Test. The Indian pace bowlers, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Harshit Rana, took 16 wickets between them and destroyed Australia’s batting.
Australia’s Concerns
Smith’s injury adds to Australia’s growing list of fitness problems. Apart from Smith, Australia is already missing key player Josh Hazlewood due to a side strain. Additionally, all-rounder Mitchell Marsh had some soreness after the first test but has now confirmed he is fit to play in Adelaide.
Australia’s Squad for the Adelaide Test
Here’s a look at the Australian squad for the upcoming Test match:
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Pat Cummins (c) | Captain |
| Sean Abbott | Bowler |
| Scott Boland | Bowler |
| Alex Carey (wk) | Wicketkeeper |
| Brendan Doggett | Bowler |
| Travis Head | Batsman |
| Josh Inglis | Batsman |
| Usman Khawaja | Batsman |
| Marnus Labuschagne | Batsman |
| Nathan Lyon | Spinner |
| Mitch Marsh | All-rounder |
| Nathan McSweeney | Batsman |
| Steve Smith | Batsman |
| Mitchell Starc | Bowler |
| Beau Webster | All-rounder (cover for Marsh) |
Looking Ahead
The second Test will be a day-night match, and Australia will need to bounce back strong. They have a solid record in pink-ball Tests, winning 11 out of 12. But India has had success in day-night Tests too, winning 3 out of 4.
The last time these two teams played a day-night Test, India faced a shocking collapse, getting out for just 36 runs in their second innings. Now, with the injury concerns over Smith and Hazlewood, Australia will need to fight hard to get back on track in the BGT 2024-25 series.
BGT 2024-25: India Tour of Australia Schedule
As the Border-Gavaskar Trophy continues, here is the schedule for the remaining matches of India’s tour of Australia.
| Date | Match Details | Venue | Start Time (GMT / Local) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 30, Sat – Dec 01, Sun | Prime Ministers XI vs India A (2-day Warm-up) | Manuka Oval, Canberra | 03:40 AM GMT / 02:40 PM LOCAL |
| Dec 06, Fri – Dec 10, Tue | Australia vs India (2nd Test) | Adelaide Oval, Adelaide | 04:00 AM GMT / 02:30 PM LOCAL |
| Dec 14, Sat – Dec 18, Wed | Australia vs India (3rd Test) | The Gabba, Brisbane | 12:20 AM GMT / 10:20 AM LOCAL |
| Dec 26, Thu – Dec 30, Mon | Australia vs India (4th Test) | Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne | 11:30 PM GMT (Dec 25) / 10:30 AM LOCAL |
| Jan 03, Fri – Jan 07, Tue | Australia vs India (5th Test) | Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney | 11:30 PM GMT (Jan 02) / 10:30 AM LOCAL |
Also Read: BGT 2024-25: Reasons Why Rohit Sharma Should Bat In Middle Order At Adelaide
