Steve Smith grimaces after being struck on the hand

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Australia were given a major scare ahead of the Boxing Day Test as captain Steve Smith was struck on the hand during a training session.

Smith was standing at the back of the nets when a ball hit by opener Cameron Bancroft ricocheted towards him.

Smith looked to be in a lot of pain, but after seeking medical treatment, he put his gloves back on and went to bat in the nets. However, his session only lasted nine balls before he called it quits.

However, vice-captain David Warner has dismissed suggestions that Smith could have sustained a serious injury that would sideline him for the Boxing Day Test.

“There’s absolutely nothing wrong with him,” Warner said. “He’s fine. You’ve seen his reactions out in the middle every time something happens. He’s a very fidgety character.

“He was just confused how it got there. I think we all were. I think it hit the top of the rail and flicked up.”

Warner further explained that Smith’s right hand has been sore for the past week due to “a hot spot from catching in the slips over the years”. The 31-year-old added that Smith was fuming since the ball had struck him in the same area.

“He just said before what are the chances of getting hit on his sore hand,” Warner said.