ASHES 2019

Steve Smith out of remainder of Lord's Test with concussion

by Vithushan Ehantharajah • Last updated on

Steve Smith is unlikely to be fit for the Leeds Test, considering the short turnaround time © Getty

Steve Smith has been withdrawn from the second Ashes Test after "demonstrating some deterioration" during his concussion test performed on Sunday morning, having reported "a bit of a headache" and "grogginess". Marnus Labuschagne is his concussion substitute and will replace Smith for the fifth day's play, as approved by the ICC match referee.

Smith was struck by a Jofra Archer bouncer and removed from the field when on 80 on Saturday. He returned 40 minutes later having passed the immediate concussion tests, which include a modified Maddocks test (a set of questions asked on the field), a computerised SCAT5 test and then a non-computerised test - both of which were administered in a medical room in the Lord's Pavilion. He ended up making 92 before leaving a straight ball, reviewing it and walking off before the review had even been sent to the television umpire.

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 On that basis Steve has been withdrawn from the match by team doctor Richard Saw and the Australia team will lodge an application for a concussion substitute with the ICC match referee in line with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

It is common for players to pass the immediate concussion tests and then display symptoms in the next 48 hours. Cricket Australia will monitor Smith ahead of the third Test which takes place in Headingley in just four days time (August 22): "In terms of Steve's availability for the third Test," continued the statement, "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." Smith will undergo a precautionary scan on his neck on Sunday.

Labuschagne, a batting allrounder who bowls leg spin, has five Test caps to his name. He will be able to bowl in England's second innings and bat in Australia's second innings.

© Cricbuzz

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