Steve Smith replacement at Lord’s: The Australian cricketer did not take field on the fifth day of the second Test at Lord’s.
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During the fifth day of the second Test of the ongoing 2019 Ashes series between England and Australia at Lord’s, Australia batsman Steve Smith didn’t take field in England’s second innings. Smith, who was hit in the back by England fast bowler Jofra Archer yesterday, had missed the last session of Day 4 as well.
Smith, who was expected to go through more concussion Tests last evening before taking a final all on his availability in the Test, has now been ruled out of the match.
“Steve [Smith] 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.’ Steve reported that his left arm which was also struck during his innings yesterday was ‘much better’.
“As part of the Cricket Australia concussion protocol, repeat concussion testing of Steve Smith was also performed this morning and demonstrated some deterioration from his testing which is consistent with the emergence of the symptoms he was reporting.
“On that basis, Steve has been withdrawn from the match by team doctor Richard Saw and the Australia team will lodge an application for a concussion substitute with the ICC match referee in line with the ICC protocol,” read the official statement released by Cricket Australia.
Steve Smith replacement at Lord’s
All-rounder Marnus Labuschagne, who substituted for Smith last evening, has been called in as his replacement for the this Test under the new ICC’s law regarding concussion substitutes. Considering the fact that Smith was playing as a batsman, it is unlikely that Labuschangne will be allowed to bowl today.
Fifteen years after England’s Vikram Solanki became the first ever Super Sub in international cricket, Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne becomes the first ever concussion substitute. #Ashes19
— Sreshth Shah (@sreshthx) August 18, 2019
As far as the match is considered, England’s lead is about to cross the 150-run mark at Lord’s. With rain consuming some overs in the morning session, Australia need quick wickets to make sure that they don’t lost control over the contest.
