Australia skipper Smith admits hand still sore, but injury not Test-threatening

Australia captain Steve Smith admits he may have to play through a little discomfort in the Boxing Day Test after being hit on the hand during net practice. Smith took the unlucky blow to his right hand on Christmas Eve

Australia captain Steve Smith admits he may have to play through a little discomfort in the Boxing Day Test after being hit on the hand during net practice. Smith took the unlucky blow to his right hand on Christmas Eve, in bizarre circumstances, after a shot from opener Cameron Bancroft somehow found its way out of his net and ricocheted in the direction of his captain - who was waiting to bat.

Steve Smith

There has never been any suggestion Smith's participation in Melbourne could be in trouble. But he may have to modify some of the quirky methods which have brought him 426 runs at an average of 142 in a prolific series so far. "It was a little bit sore (at Christmas Day net practice), playing a few different shots," he said. "But I'll be able to deal with it and I'll get on with it. Maybe I'll just have to use a bit more of my top hand throughout the game — a bit less wristy."

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