Cricket World Cup 2023: Steve Smith struck on arm during training

A nasty blow from Sean Abbott in the nets forced Steve Smith to seek treatment on his arm in the lead up to Australia’s clash with the Netherlands.

Steve Smith sent a scare through the Australian camp after needing treatment on his right arm following a nasty blow from Sean Abbott in the nets at the Feroz Shah Kotla on Monday night (Indian time).

At a training session where Travis Head sought to stake his claim for a return to the Australian side in Wednesday’s clash with the Netherlands, it was Smith who at least briefly emerged as a fresh injury worry after a rising searer from Abbott struck the former captain while he was batting in the nets.

In clear discomfort, Smith left the nets to get treatment from Aussie team physio Nick Jones, who applied bandaging to an abrasion.

Smith eventually returned for an extended bat, allaying fears of serious damage.

Steve Smith was in serious pain after being struck by Sean Abbott. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

Head meanwhile looked largely untroubled as he sought to prove he was ready for Wednesday’s date with the Dutch.

The left-hander batted in the nets before a stint of range hitting in the middle of the Arun Jaitley Stadium and an intensive catching practice with coach Andrew McDonald.

Head joined the Australian camp over the weekend after missing the start of the World Cup with a broken hand.

The Aussies were set to assess how Head pulled up on Tuesday before making a call on their XI.

Originally published as Cricket World Cup 2023: Steve Smith struck on arm during training