Australia were briefly shaken on Day 1 of the Ashes 1st Test after Steve Smith copped a nasty blow on his right elbow during the second session. The incident occurred in the 5th over of the innings when Gus Atkinson delivered a short-of-length ball that angled in sharply. Smith shuffled across to defend, was squared up completely, and the ball thudded into his right elbow.
Smith immediately winced in pain, dropped his bat, and called for the physio. Play was halted as the medical staff examined him closely, pressing around the elbow and forearm area to assess the impact. The Australian fans went silent for a moment, aware of Smith’s long history of injury scares during big series.
After a few minutes of treatment, Smith resumed batting, but the discomfort was evident. While there is no confirmation yet of serious injury, early signs suggest it was a painful hit but not severe enough to force him off the field.
Further updates on Smith’s condition are expected as the innings progresses.