Will Steve Smith play the 3rd Ashes Test: The Australian batsman has been ruled out of the ongoing second test at Lord’s.
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Australia batsman Steve Smith getting ruled out of the second Test of the ongoing 2019 Ashes series against England at Lord’s has come across as the first case of a team opting for a concussion substitute. The ICC (International Cricket Council) had recently announced the new rule for Test matches.
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 specialist batsman, it is unlikely that Labuschangne will be allowed to bowl today.
At lunch on Day 5, the hosts are leading by 165 runs with six wickets in hand. While the match seems to travel towards a draw, it will take a severe batting collapse from either side to see a result in the remaining two sessions.
Will Steve Smith play the 3rd Ashes Test at Headingley?
Smith’s injury has raised the common query regarding whether he will take part in the third Test to be played from August 22 at Headingley or not. A three-day gap in between the two matches might make things difficult for the 30-year old cricketer.
In a case of concussion, a player is expected to be observed for the next six days. However, the same can vary from individual to individual. Given the form that Smith is in, his absence will definitely be felt by the visitors.
“In terms of Steve’s [Smith] availability for the third Test, this will be considered over the coming days but the short turnaround to the next Test is not in his favour. Steve’s fitness will be assessed on an ongoing basis. Steve will undergo a precautionary scan on his neck on Sunday.
“Despite the unfortunate nature of what has happened, the positive is that the concussion protocol, including the availability of the concussion substitute, which has been recently brought in has served its purpose. A player is no longer under pressure to take the field when he or she displays symptoms of concussion and a side is not disadvantaged having lost a player to a blow to the head or neck,” read the official statement issued by Cricket Australia.
