Ashes 2019 | Steve Smith ruled out of the third Ashes Test
Steve Smith, who recently climbed to the second position in the Test rankings, has been ruled out of the third Test at Headingley after suffering from a concussion at Lord’s. Justin Langer has confirmed the news and hence, Smith, who is in a great run of form, won’t be available for selection.
After suffering a fearsome blow off Jofra Archer’s bouncer, Smith fell on the ground on Saturday and a concussion was eventually diagnosed. Following that, Marnus Labuschagne became the first-ever player to come in as a concussion substitute in Test Cricket, a rule that was incorporated only 20 days preceding the incident.
The 30-year-old batsman sat out of Australia's training session on Tuesday and even though he has not yet officially been ruled out of the third Test, he would need to resume training, face fast bowling in the nets and pass routine concussion tests in the aftermath of being struck by the bouncer. Looking at the situation, Langer deems it impossible for Smith to play in the third Test, according to cricket.com.au.
Team doctor Richard Saw will discern and have the final say on Smith's involvement in the third Test, as per Cricket Australia's concussion protocols. In Smith’s absence, Labuschagne will be favourite to take Smith's place in the playing XI for the third Test in Headingley.
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