Steve Smith misses first ODI against England after head hit in the nets – cricket


Australia was left without star hitter Steve Smith for the one-day opening international match against England on Friday after being hit to the head with a ball in practice.

Australia said it was a precautionary measure after Thursday’s incident, which occurred when a member of the coaching staff was pulling the nets.

Australia added that Smith was being evaluated for concussion and did not say if Smith would be available for the second and third games of the series which will take place on Sunday and Wednesday respectively.

England won the toss at Old Trafford and chose to pitch in what captain Eoin Morgan called a soft wicket.

Australia captain Aaron Finch said he would have chosen to hit anyway.

It is ODI’s first meeting of the fierce rivals since last year’s Cricket World Cup, which England won at home.

Lineups:

England: Jonny Bairstow, Jason Roy, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan (captain), Jos Buttler, Sam Billings, Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Adil Rashid, Jofra Archer, Mark Wood.

Australia: Aaron Finch (captain), David Warner, Marcus Stoinis, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitch Marsh, Alex Carey, Glenn Maxwell, Patrick Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood.

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