Marnus Labuschagne sparks massive injury scare for Steve Smith ahead of second Test

The Aussies have faced a scare in the nets in Adelaide after Marnus Labuschagne hit Steve Smith on the hand during throw-downs only four days out from the start of the second Test. Both Smith and Labuschagne are desperately seeking runs in the Test arena as Australia went down to India in Perth by 295-runs in a demoralising defeat.

Facing a tough task against the pink-ball under lights against Jasprit Bumrah and co the duo hit the nets after arriving in Adelaide before the first ball on Friday. However, Smith sent a scare through the Aussie camp after a Labuschagne throw down hit the batter on the hand.

Smith could be seen in pain as he left the nets holding his right hand. The last thing Australia need is another injury heading into the Adelaide day-night Test with Josh Hazlewood already ruled out with a side strain.

And while Smith appeared to be in pain and left the session to ice his hand, he returned not long after to resume training. Any injury to Smith would be a disaster for Australia even though the mercurial batter is struggling for runs across the last 18 months.

Smith's average has plummeted in the last two years having seen it fall below 60 to 56.40. In six Test matches in 2024 Smith is averaging 25.55 with scores of 17, 0, 9, 11, 0 and 31 in his last six innings. He hasn't scored a century since June 2023 in the Ashes.

And unfortunately for the Aussies there batters will need to find form against the swinging pink-ball with conditions set to be overcast and wet on Friday. This could see the winning captain choose to bowl first to put the opposing team under pressure immediately.

Marnus Labuschagne facing pressure from Sam Konstas

And while Smith's form has dipped across the last 18 months, Labuschagne is facing more pressure to retain his position in the XI. Labuschagne's last 10 innings have seen the No.3 struggle for runs and form. He's scored 10, 1 not out, 3, 5, 1, 2, 90, 6, 2 and 3 for an average of just 13.66. And many feel if he doesn't score runs in Adelaide he could be dropped for the first time in his career.

This would have appeared unlikely two years ago when Labuschagne was averaging above 60 - as well as Smith - but the Queenslander has not looked the same player as he struggles to attack the ball with the same ferocity he did. In 2023 he averaged 34.91 across the 13 Test matches and and this has dropped even further in 2024 with the batter averaging 24.50.

This could see Sam Konstas make his Test debut at the top of the order if Labuschagne doesn't perform. The 19-year-old has enjoyed a strong start to the Sheffield Shield season and is considered the future of Australian batting in the opening position.

And Konstas has followed up his form with a century against a Test-quality India attack at Manuka Oval on the weekend. This has once again propelled him into the conversation of a baggy green. Nathan McSweeney was handed the opening role at the top of the order for the first match against India, but could drop down the order and bat at his preferred No.3 position if Labuschagne makes way.

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This could see Konstas earn his Test debut in Brisbane. However, Australia will be hoping Labuschagne finds form against the pink-ball, which has been a favourite batting arena for him in the past. Labuschagne had scored three centuries in a row at Adelaide and would be keen to find his feet again when Australia need to level the series.

Alex Carey shuts down pressure

While the batters may be feeling the pressure in Adelaide, Alex Carey has moved to dispel concern in camp. The wicketkeeper claimed the reaction to the first loss in Perth has been overblown and the players are ready to bounce back.

"I think it's quite a big reaction, externally, for one Test loss," the wicketkeeper said on Tuesday. "Internally, we don't feel that.

"We didn't play the way we would have liked to have played, but we know over five Test matches, we keep rocking up and playing our style of cricket, we will have the success. We're calm internally and we're excited to get back out there and play a better style of cricket."