Perth: Australian cricket captain Steve Smith suffered a wrist injury during net practice on Monday ahead of the first Ashes Test starting November 21 at Optus Stadium, Perth. Smith was batting in the nets when he was caught on the left wrist while attempting a pull shot and was helped off the field by the team physio for medical assessment.

Despite initial concerns, Smith returned to the nets later the same day and engaged in shadow batting, suggesting no serious damage. The injury scare comes as a blow to Australia, with regular captain Pat Cummins sidelined by a lumbar stress injury. Smith is expected to lead Australia in Cummins' absence.

Smith, the third-highest run-scorer in Ashes history with 3,417 runs from 37 matches, has been in good form this year with an average of 51.50 in six Tests, including two centuries.

Australia is also coping with other injury concerns, including fast bowler Josh Hazlewood. The fitness of Smith will be crucial as Australia aims to set the tone for the Ashes series starting Thursday.