- Steve Smith was left bloodied during a training session
- The batter was patched up by the staff with plasters
- Australia will face the Netherlands on Wednesday
Steve Smith had to nurse a wound on Monday, but that should not keep the Australian star out of the match against the Netherlands.
The 34-year-old took a break from training to nurse a cut in the nets, leaving the former Test captain bloodied from the wound.
He was quickly given medical attention in the form of plasters and while it was hardly reminiscent of his brutal match with Jofra Archer in 2019, Pat Cummins will be breathing a sigh of relief after a number of injuries to his star players.
One of those players, Travis Head, has joined his teammates in India, which is a huge boost for the Aussies, who are looking for a place in the semi-finals.
Head broke his hand six weeks ago, but can play against the Netherlands on Wednesday if the coming days go according to plan.
Steve Smith required medical attention during a net session on Monday
The 34-year-old superstar was quickly patched up prior to the match against the Netherlands
“We are very optimistic that he will be available if all goes well today, and most importantly, the way he steps up tomorrow will be a key factor,” said coach Andrew McDonald.
“He has to be ready for the skills, that’s the next layer. It’s one thing to be physically ready, and so that’s a big step today in the nets, the way he’s going. He’ll be up against bowlers and he’ll give us an indication of what he can and cannot do after that session.
“We don’t put any player out there who isn’t 100 percent. It’s a World Cup. So we want to make sure that… that hand functions the way we know it can and in fact gives him the best chance to perform with a range of shots that he does have.
“We said at the start of the tournament that there would be risks involved in transporting an injured player and some people didn’t think that would be possible. He is now on the ground and it is possible and that is very exciting for us .”