Steve Smith To Return for Australia In Practice Match

Steve Smith To Return for Australia In Practice Match

Steve Smith is set to make his return to cricket next week as he will play the three-day training match against Derbyshire for Australia, which starts on 29 August in Derby. Smith was knocked down during the Lord's test after being hit by a bouncer from Jofra Archer.

He left the field after the hit but returned to action a few minutes later. On the morning of the fifth day, Smith was excluded from the competition. He had passed the concussion test immediately after the blow but had failed it on the fifth day.

The sickening bouncer ruled him out of the third test currently taking place in Headingley. On the third day of the Test match, Smith has seen training in the nets and looks fine. The long break between the third and fourth Ashes Test 2019 is a boon for him as Steve Smith will play in the practice match to make sure he is ready for the penultimate test.

Likely, he will replace Usman Khawaja if he is declared fit. Marnus Labuschange, who replaced Smith at Lord's Concussions, scored three half-century innings in as many innings and confirmed her place in the 11th game for the rest of the series.

In addition to Smith, the practice match will also serve as a fitness test for James Anderson. Before being eliminated, the right-hand man played four balls in the opening test. He then missed the next two Tests and was invited to play for the second team XI of Lancashire. He will now play against the Australian team in the training match.

Meanwhile, England is about to level the series. With a target of 359, England is 156/3 after three days of play. They need 203 runs with seven wickets in hand with a set of 180 outs still available. The England still have plenty of time and won't be in a hurry. For Australia, seven more wickets will do.