Steve Smith gets cleared to return to the Australian squad after having passed his second concussion test.
Australian player Steve Smith is now cleared to return to his team after having missed out the first ODI against England. In a practice session prior to the first ODI, it was reported that Steve Smith has been struck on the head by a short ball delivered by the coach. Gladly, he has tested negative on the concussion tests that had been conducted.
After having passed the first concussion test before the series opener, Australia has decided to have Smith out of the game. Aside from that, he was also advised to take up another concussion test to ensure his safety before he’ll be allowed to rejoin the team.
As he had been replaced by Marcus Stoinis during his absence, Australia still won by 19 runs on the said ODI series opener. Now that Smith has already passed the second concussion test that has been required of him, he has already been cleared to play for Australia on the second match.
As per Mitchell Marsh, ‘I think it was a good decision in the end. There's no need to take unnecessary risks with head injuries. 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’.
As Smith is cleared to return for the team, Mitchell Starc’s fitness still remains to be a concern for Australia. So far, Starc remains to be struggling with a groin issue after having slipped on the field on the first ODI which they had won.
So far, the odds for the next match are -140.85 for England and +106 for Australia. To see more credible betting odds, check out Betwala.
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