London: Australia’s star batsman Steve Smith has been ruled out of the third Ashes Test beginning Thursday as announced Tuesday by Cricket Australia (CA).
The 30-year-old – who has scored two centuries and 92 in his three innings in the first two Tests – suffered concussion when he was felled by a Jofra Archer bouncer Saturday in the first innings of the second Test at Lord’s.
“Steve Smith has been ruled out of the third Ashes Test at Headingley, with coach Justin Langer confirming the news after the batsman sat out Australia’s training session, Tuesday,” Cricket Australia announced on their website.
Steve Smith himself had said a couple of days back that he was confident about recovering in time for the third Test. However, the Australian medical team found out in some recent Tests that Smith was suffering from dizziness and hence did not want to risk him playing the game.
As the squad huddle disbanded Tuesday to begin practice, Steve Smith received a pat on the shoulder from vice-captain Pat Cummins before Langer wrapped his arm around the right-hander as the squad warmed up without him.
Langer and Smith then walked out to the middle to inspect the pitch as the rest of the group limbered up and jogged laps around the outfield. Smith was later seen in an animated discussion with team doctor Richard Saw. Incidentally the latter has the final say on Smith’s involvement in the match, as per Cricket Australia’s concussion protocols. Smith requires the approval of Dr Saw before he can resume playing again.
Agencies