Steven Smith survives a meaty blow to the head, still manages to save his wicket — WATCH

Steven Smith's counter-attack led Australia to 200 for 3 at the end of Day 2 of the third Ashes Test at WACA, Perth

Arun Rawal
Dec 15, 2017

It is a known fact that the bounce at WACA, Perth, can get the better of anyone, even hosts. That’s exactly what happened at tea break on Day 2 of the third Ashes 2017-18 Test. Australian skipper Steven Smith was taken by surprise by the bounce on the last ball of 26th over bowled by Craig Overton.

The back of the length delivery extracted extra bounce from the pitch and hurried towards Smith. On its way, the ball brushed his right-hand thumb and then hit the front grill of the helmet. Smith barely managed to deflect the ball as it was headed towards the stumps. It was quite visible that Smith was a bit injured by the bouncer as he left his bat on the ground and checked his thumb.

Here’s the video of Overton’s menacing short ball –

Bit happening there on the final ball of the session! Australia 2-88 at tea: https://t.co/57Bmg3zS3P #Ashes pic.twitter.com/KQgAhFpuy3

— cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) December 15, 2017

England skipper Joe Root walked up to Smith and checked if he’s okay. The hit worked as a wake-up call for Smith who was batting on 24 runs before the tea break.

The third session turned out to be fruitful for Australia as Smith went on to score his 22nd Test half-century. The 28-year-old remained not out at the end of Day 2’s play. He scored 92 runs from 122 balls including 12 fours and 1 six.

Take a look at Smith’s pull shot for six off Stuart Broad –

Short from Broad and Smith sends it over the boundary! https://t.co/57Bmg3zS3P #Ashes pic.twitter.com/bJ5KTdL0wk

— cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) December 15, 2017

ALSO READ: Josh Hazlewood breaks Mark Stoneman’s helmet after dropped catch in Perth Test — WATCH

Usman Khawaja, too, scored his half-century. Though he got out after scoring 50 runs from 123 balls. Australia still trails by 200 runs. They are 3 for 203 in 62 overs with Smith and Shaun Marsh batting.

ALSO READ: Away from Ashes 2017 action, Ben Stokes hits a 47-ball 93 in a T20 match in New Zealand — WATCH

Earlier, England struggled in the first session of Day 2 as they got bundled out for 403. They lost 6 wickets in the first session. The overnight score of England on Day 1 was 305 for 4.