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Steve Smith has been ruled out of the final day of the second Ashes Test due to concussion.

Smith was struck on the back of the head by a Jofra Archer bouncer at over 90mph on day four on Saturday and left the field for tests.

He was allowed to return to bat by medical staff before being trapped LBW by Chris Woakes for 92.

But he underwent further concussion tests on the morning of the final day at Lords and has reportedly been ruled out.

He is now a serious doubt for the third test at Headingley, which gets underway on Thursday with Cricket Australia stating: "The short turnaround to the next Test is not in his favour".

(Image: Ryan Pierse)

A statement from Cricket Australia shortly after play began read: "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.

"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"On that basis Steve has been withdrawn from the match by team doctor Richard Saw and the Australia team will lodge an application for a concussion substitute with the ICC match referee in line with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.

(Image: Ryan Pierse)

"Cricket Australia statistics show that 30 per cent of concussions in Australian cricket are delayed. It is not uncommon for players to pass their tests and feel well on the day of an injury and then display symptoms 24 - 48 hours later.

"In terms of Steve’s 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.

"Cricket Australia is proud to have been leaders in this area, having introduced concussion substitutes in domestic cricket and worked with the ICC to introduce them in international cricket."

(Image: Stu Forster)

The five-day concussion protocol could rule him out depending on his exact diagnosis, although it is unclear how the rule will be interpreted with the game due to get underway exactly five days after his initial blow.

When play resumed after a brief rain delay at the start of Day Five, Marcus Laubaschagne was fielding in his place.

Australia will be desperate for their star man to be able to feature, after he proved their match-winner in the first Test at Edgbaston and has been in blistering form with the bat.

Smith was peppered with short bowling from the pace of debutant Archer, being hit on the arm and being cleared of a fracture by x-rays after play concluded.

(Image: Ryan Pierse)

It was another bouncer, zipping in at 92.4mph and too straight to easily avoid, which caused the most concern and did the damage.

Smith got into an awkward position, turning his head as the inevitable impact approached. He tumbled face first to the ground, flicking off his helmet before rolling over and facing the sky.

The brutal impact and Smith's stillness evoked horrifying memories of the tragic death of Phil Hughes, Smith's former Australia team-mate killed after being hit by a bouncer in a similar area in South Australia five years ago.

Smith was persuaded, somewhat reluctantly, to pause his innings but was back after 54 balls, adding to his tally before being dismissed short of another century.