Key detail in photo of Steve Smith during return from concussion

Sat, 31 Aug 2019, 1:22 am

Mitch Marsh could see no discernible signs of change from Steve Smith, who scored 23 in his return from concussion on day two of an Ashes tour match in Derby.

Smith, notably batting with a StemGuard in his first match since being struck on the exposed neck by a Jofra Archer bouncer in the second Test, barely got out of second gear while spending 47 minutes at the crease on Friday.

The former skipper had previously refused to wear a clip-on neck protector because it made him feel claustrophobic.

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Smith shuffled purposely to the middle as Australia learned Jimmy Anderson will play no further part in the series, keen to prepare for the bouncer barrage he will cop next week.

Derbyshire used eight bowlers during Australia's first innings of 5(dec)-338 but Smith faced only three; legspinner Matt Critchley, offspinner Hamidullah Qadri and seamer Anuj Dal.

The former skipper went down swinging at Critchley, who has a first-class bowling average of 51.86, while Dal lacked the pace to terrorise Smith with any short stuff.

Steve Smith, pictured here batting with the neck guard during his innings. — Steve Smith tried out the neck guard during his innings. Image: PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images)

Marsh, who batted at first drop and top-scored with 74, suggested his partner looked like "the same old Smudger".

"It was nice to spend a bit of time with him, it's always nice to bat with him," Marsh said.

"He's happy to be back playing. I'm sure he had a bit of fun out there

"He's the best player in the world. It's always nice to get him back."

Unsatisfied with the tune-up for the fourth Test, which starts at Old Trafford on Wednesday, Smith headed to the nets shortly after being dismissed.

David Warner, among a stack of stars rested from the game, gave Smith some throwdowns in a battle that captivated fans' interest almost as much as the ongoing contest in the middle.

"If he got 20 or 220, he would still want to go in the nets and have a hit," Marsh said.

"That's what he does and that's why he's the best in the world."

David Warner, pictured here giving Steve Smith some extra practice in the nets. — David Warner gave Steve Smith some extra practice. (Image: PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images)

Harris and Khawaja both find form

Marcus Harris (64) and Usman Khawaja (72) both registered half-centuries in their selection showdown, while Mitchell Starc also continued to make his case for a Test recall.

Starc snared 2-16 from five overs as Derbyshire reached 3-53 at stumps, still trailing the visitors by 113 runs.

The left-armer, who grabbed three wickets in an over on day one, was overlooked for the first three Tests.

Smith's return will prompt coach Justin Langer and chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns to make at least one change to the XI that suffered a one-wicket loss in Leeds, with Harris and Khawaja considered most at risk.

Marsh remains hopeful of call-up.

"I didn't have a lot of fun last summer. Spending time away from the game, it gives you a bit of time to reflect on what you need to work on," the allrounder said.