ENG vs AUS: Cricket Australia reveals the result of Steve Smith’s second concussion test

Australia’s star batsman Steve Smith was a late withdrawal from Friday’s ODI against England, which the hosts won by 19 runs to take 1-0 lead🌸 in the three-match series, after sustaining a blow on the head in the nets from a throw-down by a coaching staff mꦏember on the match eve.

The 31-year-old World No. 1 Test batsman was withdrawn from the playing XI of the first ODI “as a precautionary measure.”

Now, Cricket Australia has revealed that Smith has passed the second concussion test on Saturday (September 12) and could return to Australia eleven for the second ODI a🎐gainst England in Manchester on Sunday.

In the series opener, Marcus Stoinis batted at No. 3 in Smith’s absence and came up with a promising knock of 43.

“I think it was a good decision in the end,” all-rounder Mitch Marsh said.

“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,” he added.

Mitchell Starc doubtful with upper-leg injury

Meanwhile, Mitchell Starc’s fitness remains a cause for concern for the Aussies. The left-arm pacer reported some soreness in his upper leg during England’s innings. Kane Richardson and the uncapped Riley Meredith are the two quicks on standby, but a reused surface may bring Ashton Agar’s left-arm spin into the equation.

“He [Starc] is a little bit sore but we’ll see how he pulls up and go from there,” Josh Hazlewood said.

Australia have a chance to claim a bilateral ODI series win over England for the first time since 2015 and end the recent dominance by Eoin Morgan’s men in the 50-overs format.

Australia’s ODI squad:

Aaron Finch (c), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Al🐼ex Carey, Pat Cummins, Josh H🔴azlewood, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Riley Meredith, Josh Philippe, Daniel Sams, Kane Richardson, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Andrew Tye, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa.