Steve Smith need to pass 2nd concussion test to play the next ODI vs England

Australia's batting stalwart Steve Smith will have to undergo a fresh concussion test before the 2nd ODI against England after being ruled out of Friday’s opener at Old Trafford.

Smith was ruled out of the 1st ODI after being hit on the head during a throwdown session in the nets with Australia's coaching staff.

Smith is said to have passed the concussion test conducted on Thursday, but Aaron Finch revealed that the former Australia skipper was left out as a precaution and would have another such test on Saturday ahead of Sunday's 2nd ODI.

"He got a knock on the head yesterday in practice. It's a precautionary measure to leave him out," Finch said during the toss of the first ODI.

For Smith to be cleared to play on Sunday, he will need to pass another test, to be held one day before the game. Marcus Stoinis batted at No. 3 in place of Steve



Smith, who was rested after being hit in the head in the nets on Thursday.

In the absence of former captain Smith, Australia slumped to 123-5 inside 24 overs on Friday after losing the toss. However, Glenn Maxwell and Mitchell March put on a 126-run partnership to lead Australia out of trouble against England to 294-9 in the first ODI.

Australia was wobbling at 123-5 in the 24th over when Maxwell, whose last ODI was the World Cup semifinals loss to England 14 months ago, joined Marsh in the middle.

They gradually turned the pressure back on the bowlers. Marsh played an important anchor role while Maxwell opened up, hitting spinner Adil Rashid twice over the fence. The next ball after his second six earned Maxwell his 20th ODI fifty.

Maxwell hit Jofra Archer for consecutive sixes in the 44th but chopped the next ball on and was out for 77 off 59 balls.