Aussie cricketer Steve Smith has been diagnosed with a concussion and will not take to the field today during day-five of the Ashes series between England and Australia.
Cricket Australia (CA submitted an application to the ICC match referee to bring in a concussion substitute. Marnus Labuschagner was named as Steve Smith's replacement with no conditions attached.
Steve Smith was defying the England bowling attack on the fourth day of the second Ashes test at Lord's on Saturday.
But the Aussie batsman had no choice but the leave the field after another Jofra Archer's deadly bouncer almost knocked him out unconscious. Medics from both sides rushed instantly as he was lying flat in the crease. After being thorrowly checked for a concussion, the doctors decided to take Smith off the field for more inspection because it was a deadly blow.
Smith did come back to bat again later on but was soon dismissed for 92.
“Steve has been closely monitored by medical staff overnight and this morning reported that after sleeping well, he woke with ‘a bit of a headache and a feeling of grogginess’,” an Australia team spokesman said.
Marnus Labuschagne, came on as 12th man when play again resumed Sunday after a delay in the start due to rain and became the first concussion substitute in the history of the game after Cricket Australia's request was officially approved b referee Ranjan Madugalle.
Often considered as a part-time spinner and a top-order batsman, Labuschagne will be able to bat and bowl for Australia if required.
Smith is still a doubt for the third Test at Headingley starting on Thursday, with the Aussie spokesman saying “the short turnaround is not in his favour”.
The spokesman added: “Steve reported that his left arm which was also struck (by Archer) during his innings yesterday was ‘much better’” and that as part of further testing on Sunday, Smith “demonstrated some deterioration”.
“On that basis Steve has been withdrawn from the match by team doctor Richard Saw,” the spokesman said.
