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Australia's Smith to have new concussion test ahead of 2nd ODI
Australia star batsman Steve Smith is set to undergo a fresh concussion test before the second one-day international against England after being ruled out of Friday's opener at Old Trafford in bizarre fashion.
Smith was sidelined from the first of a three-match series after being hit on the head batting in the nets, from a delivery by one of Australia's fast bowlers, but rather a throw-down from a member of the coaching staff.
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An Australia team spokesman said Smith was being rested as a precaution despite passing a concussion assessment and would have another such test on Saturday ahead of Sunday's second ODI.
"Steve Smith got a knock on the head yesterday (Thursday) in practice so it's a precautionary measure to leave him out," Australia captain Aaron Finch told Sky Sports at the toss. "(Marcus) Stoinis will bat at three."
Smith was dramatically felled by a 92 mph bouncer from England fast bowler Jofra Archer during last year's drawn second test at Lord's, paving the way for Marnus Labuschagne to become international cricket's first concussion substitute.
Despite missing the third test at Headingley, Smith still scored 774 runs, including three hundreds, at an average of over 110 during a five-match series that ended all square at 2-2.
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