AUS vs SL | Steve Smith suffers concussion, ruled out of remainder of T20I series

In the second T20I between Australia and Sri Lanka at the Sydney Cricket Ground, chasing 164 by Australia, SL never took command of the chase. However, courtesy of Pathum Nissanka’s innings they kept fighting and didn’t let Australia dominate them either. Finally they needed 19 off the last over to win the game. Chasing 19 runs in the last over with 7 wickets down is an incredibly difficult task in any conditions, let alone the massive SCG.

To Sri Lanka’s gain the last over was to be bowled by Stoinis who is certainly not as threatening as Australia’s strike bowlers Cummins and Hazlewood. Yet, things go South for them. SL scored 7 off 3 balls, but lost the set batter in Nissanka, with only bowlers left at the crease. In this scenario, Theekshana swiped one off Stoinis toward mid-wicket boundary. The ball was flying over the rope but Steve Smith flew with it. Leaping backwards like a gymnast, he caught the ball mid air and released it into the field of play.

While doing so, Steve Smith fell on the ground and slammed his shoulder off the ground and subsequently his head with a sharp jerk. Panic got created as Steve Smith was not able to get up from his fall outside the boundary. Adding insult to injury, the ball grazed the boundary cushion as well while it was thrown in and the end result was six. 

Cricket Australia (CA) confirmed after the match that Smith had suffered a concussion after landing on his head. He will be subject to low-level concussion protocols over the next few days. Smith is expected to fully recover within a week but he will not participate in the remainder of the T20I series Vs Sri Lanka.

The match eventually ended up going to the Super Over after the scores were tied upon the completion of 20 overs of each team. Josh Hazlewood who was Player of the Match and who bowled a magnificent Super Over spoke to “ESPN Cricinfo” about Smith,

“When anyone dives and doesn’t get up straight away, it’s always a bit of concern,” 

“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.”

It would be interesting if Smith recovers on time for the historic tour of Pakistan. While the concussion is mild, post impact complexities are common in case of concussion. Fans on both sides would be praying for his speedy recovery to watch this Great Test cricketer play in Pakistan for the very first time.