Smith has concussion, subbed out of Test

Sunday, 18 August 2019:

STEVE SMITH
STEVE SMITH


A concussed Steve Smith remains in immense doubt for the third Ashes Test but the groggy batsman hasn't given up hope of a miraculous recovery yet.

Smith has been diagnosed with concussion and is sitting out day five of the second Test, while he will soon undergo a precautionary neck scan.

Marnus Labuschagne has replaced Smith in Australia's XI in what is the first concussion substitution in international cricket, as per a recent rule change.

Smith was struck on the neck by a Jofra Archer bouncer while batting on Saturday at Lord's, where he retired hurt before resuming his innings after passing various concussion tests.

The third Test starts in Leeds on Thursday, leaving Smith with little time to prove he has recovered from the nasty head knock.

"It's obviously a quick turnaround between Test matches," Smith said.

"I'm hopeful I'll be available for that Test match but it's certainly up to the medical staff.

"Concussion is an area of concern and I want to be 100 per cent fit."

The former skipper slept well on Saturday night but woke with a headache and has also felt dizzy, drowsy and groggy.

Sunday morning's CogSport exam, a computer-program that tests an athlete's reaction time, attention and memory then compares data with previous baseline results, was another red flag for the 30-year-old.

Cricket Australia's concussion and head trauma policy does not dictate the gifted batsman must sit out a specific period of time beyond the initial 24-hour period.

However, it is hard to envisage how the superstar will be able to complete a gradual return to physical activity to a point where he is passed fit for the next match.

Team doctor Richard Saw, who conducted Smith's concussion tests throughout the weekend, will regularly assess Smith this week.

Australia's decision to let Smith bat on day four after being hit will now be heavily scrutinised.

It is not unusual for concussion symptoms to appear 24-48 hours after a head knock.

"I passed all the tests and felt fine ... we were all happy," Smith said.

Coach Justin Langer, who famously wanted to bat in a Test against South Africa in 2006 despite being hospitalised with concussion, defended the call to let Smith bat.

"These are like my sons alright, so you're never going to put them in harm's way," Langer said after day four.

"I was saying 'mate are you sure you're ok?' ... I asked him behind closed doors two or three times. I asked him in front of the group.

"What else do you do? The medicos cleared him."

Smith was hit on the elbow, forearm and neck by Archer during Saturday's violent spell of short stuff.

The third and most brutal strike prompted the shocked crowd to fall silent as Smith slumped to the ground.

Smith was back on his feet soon after and keen to keep batting but left the field at the insistence of Dr Saw, who wanted to conduct a thorough concussion assessment in the rooms.

Broadcasters initially didn't show a replay of the blow, such was the level of concern after the incident that dredged up memories of Phillip Hughes' tragic death in 2014.






AAP