Steve Smith has been ruled out of the third Test after being unable to train on Tuesday, two days before the match at Headingley is due to start.
Australia’s prolific No.4 batsman was struck on the back of the head by a vicious Jofra Archer bouncer in Australia’s first innings of the second Test at Lord’s. After being forced to leave the field against his wishes, Smith returned to the crease at the fall of the next wicket but was subsequently ruled out of the match after reporting grogginess the following morning.
He was replaced by Marnus Labuschagne, the first concussion substitute in international cricket, who made a battling 59 after he too was floored by an Archer bouncer on his second delivery.
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Smith admitted that he would need to train Tuesday, face fast bowling in the nets on Wednesday and pass further concussion tests if he were to play in Leeds. Having missed the first hurdle, a return for the fourth Test at Old Trafford appears more likely.
