Advertisement

Steve Smith ruled out in massive new blow for Australia

Chris Young
·Sports Reporter

Steve Smith has been ruled out of the remainder of the second Ashes Test at Lord’s after he was hit on the neck by a Jofra Archer short ball on day four.

The former captain fell to the ground after he was struck by Archer’s delivery, before retiring hurt on 80 runs.

He later returned to the field, but scored just 12 more runs before he was dismissed by Chris Woakes.

Smith reportedly woke up on the morning of day five complaining of a slight headache and dizziness.

Marnus Labuschagne took Smith’s place on the field as the 12th man.

Steve Smith will not play the final day of the second Ashes Test, after complaining of concussion symptoms.
Steve Smith of Australia is struck by a delivery from Jofra Archer of England during day four of the 2nd Specsavers Ashes Test between England and Australia at Lord's Cricket Ground on August 17, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Smith woke with a headache and feeling of grogginess and is now in immense doubt for the third Test, which starts in Leeds on Thursday.

Smith will soon undergo a precautionary scan on his neck.

The gifted batsman is now in immense doubt for the third Test, which starts in Leeds on Thursday.

Marnus Labuschagne has replaced Smith in Australia's XI as a concussion substitute, as per a recent rule change introduced by the International Cricket Council.

Smith is the first cricketer to be substituted out of an international match.

Match referee Ranjan Madugalle has approved Australia's application for Labuschagne to serve as a like-for-like replacement for Smith.

WITH AAP