Steven Smith has been ruled out of the remainder of the T20I series against Sri Lanka after suffering a concussion while fielding in Sunday’s Super Over thriller at the SCG.
Cricket Australia (CA) confirmed after the match that Smith had suffered a concussion after landing on his head following a spectacular diving attempt to save six in the final over of the second innings. He will be subject to low-level concussion protocols over the next few days and is expected to make a full recovery within a week. But he will not be available to play in the final three games in Canberra and Melbourne. CA confirmed that there were no plans to add a replacement player to the squad at this stage.
Smith was fielding at deep midwicket in the final over of Sri Lanka’s chase when Maheesh Theekshana launched Marcus Stoinis’ third-last ball in his direction. Smith dived full length back and to his right to catch the ball and flick it back infield in the single motion but such was his extension that he couldn’t brace himself as he hit the ground and his head thumped into the turf.
He was immediately in some discomfort and the medical staff attended to him quickly. He was able to get up and walk around the boundary without assistance but he did not field for the final two balls of the innings or during the Super Over.
To add insult to injury, the third umpire awarded Sri Lanka six runs despite Smith’s efforts. Even though he was not touching the ground when he made contact with the ball as he flicked it back in, his right foot had touched the rope as he initially launched off the ground.
Team-mate Josh Hazlewood, who was Player of the Match for his performance with the ball, confirmed Smith was fine despite the initial concerns.
“When anyone dives and doesn’t get up straight away, it’s always a bit of concern,” Hazlewood said. “It’s good to see him walking around now. He made his way off the field and he’s walking around changing now. So early signs are good.”
–ESPNcricinfo
