Why photos of Steve Smith have shocked Australia cricket team just ahead of first Ashes Test
The photos that sent shockwaves through the Aussie cricket side: Steve Smith suffers shocking setback in training just before first Ashes test
- Steve Smith suffered a blow to the hand during practice
- Sat outside for the rest of the session as a precaution
- In 2019, Ashes, Smith scored 774 points, averaging 110.57
Steve Smith has sent shockwaves through the Aussie camp after injuring himself in training ahead of the first Ashes Test.
The 34-year-old suffered a blow to the finger while hitting the nets, leaving him in pain and requiring treatment.
Smith once again looms as the main wicket for the hosts when the Ashes series kicks off at Edgbaston on Friday.
In 2019, Smith beat the England bowlers by a century in each innings in the first Test at Birmingham and went on to score 774 runs at a series average of 110.57, his first after his one-year ban on ball tampering. .
With England’s attack trying various ways to get him out, Smith’s final innings of the series was the only time he failed to reach at least 80.
Australian batsman Steve Smith has his finger examined after a hit during a net session on Wednesday
The blow left the superstar batsman grimacing in pain – and will have raised the hopes of England fans
Experienced English fast James Anderson said they wouldn’t plan too much for Smith this time, but captain Ben Stokes suggested he go through all his tricks against him.
Smith said he was ready for anything.
“I think we’ve seen over the last few months that they’re doing crazy things and they’re going to have to try some different things at certain times,” he said.
“One of my great strengths is being able to adapt along the way and understand what they are trying to do and solve the problem half way through. I’m just focusing on my game and trying to counter whatever they throw at me, but we expect some different things, that’s for sure.
“I’m not really going to change too much, it’s about understanding situations, knowing when to put a little more pressure and apply a little more pressure and knowing when to take pressure and back off a bit. It’s something I’ve been doing for 10 years and I see no need to change it.’
Smith also drives with the confidence that comes with succeeding in England and finding form of late, averaging 62.46 in Tests since the Sri Lanka tour.
Smith, 34, looms again as the main wicket for the hosts as the first Ashes Test kicks off in Edgbaston on Friday
In 2019, Smith put the England bowlers to the sword with a century in every innings in the first Test at Birmingham and went on to score 774 runs at an average of 110.57 in the series
He also got an early look at both local conditions and England fast Ollie Robinson during a brief stint of county cricket with Sussex, which has left Smith positive about what will come five Tests.
His mindset of continuous improvement is also set to ensure that he can experience another big run.
‘I hope I’m better. I strive every day to get better,” said Smith.
“Obviously it was a good series for me last time here and I’d love to replicate something similar and help us lift the urn at the end, but we’ll wait and see.
“My Ashes series before at home was decent too. I’ve had a few good ones, it would be nice to repeat it again.’