Ashes 2019 | When Smith got hit I had a bit of a sick feeling, reveals Marnus Labuschagne

After becoming the first player in history to be penalized for "fake fielding" in 2017, Marnus Labuschagne, on Sunday, became the first ever concussion substitute in the game's history, 18 days after the rule was officially introduced. The rules suggest that in case of a concussion, a team can field a "like for like" replacement for the concussed player, and hence, Australia decided to throw in the Queenslander to fill in the boots of the injured Steve Smith.

Recalling the surreal experience, the 25-year-old revealed that it is less "nerve-wracking" to be on the field as compared to off it, while stating that he felt "sick" when he watched Smith get hit on his neck. Just like Smith, Labuschagne too got hit on his very second ball, but unlike the former, was able to carry on, going on to post a crafty 59 to earn his side a hard-fought draw.

"Being out there is probably less nerve-wracking than being off the field. When Smith got hit I had a bit of a sick feeling, you're kind of helpless. But when you're out there, you're in the contest and the adrenaline is rushing … pretty much all you're doing is trying to watch that ball," Labuschagne was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.

"It got me flush but it was just 'get up and get on with it'. It got me quite flush in the grille so it took most of the blow. You get up and try and act cool. Then it was just about trying to refocus and make sure you're watching that ball again. I watched that one pretty close," he added.

The Australian also revealed that the whole team was ready for the challenge posed by Jofra Archer, praising the English quick for his versatility. 

"We were all up and ready to go, we wanted to get into the challenge, into the contest," Labuschagne said on facing Archer.

"He bowled really well at times, his length was really good and obviously he tested us with the short stuff on this up-and-down wicket, so we need to make sure we're ready and we will be," he added.

The third Ashes test at Headingley will commence on August 22nd, and after his stellar performance on Day 5, it won't be surprising to see the right-hander's name on the team sheet irrespective of Steve Smith's fitness.