Steve Smith has been withdrawn from the second Ashes Test after concussion testing found that he had developed symptoms overnight.
Smith remain a chance to play in the third Test, but a Cricket Australia statement released regarding his withdrawal noted that the short turnaround may mean he does not recover in time.
Cricket Australia will seek to have a concussion sub replace Smith in the batting order if needed for Australia’s remaining innings on Day 5.
Cricket Australia Statement
“Steve has been closely monitored by medical staff overnight and this morning reported that after sleeping well, he woke with “a bit of a headache and a feeling of grogginess.” Steve reported that his left arm which was also struck during his innings yesterday was “much better.”
“As part of the Cricket Australia concussion protocol, repeat concussion testing of Steve Smith was also performed this morning and demonstrated some deterioration from his testing which is consistent with the emergence of the symptoms he was reporting.
“On that basis Steve has been withdrawn from the match by team doctor Richard Saw and the Australia team will lodge an application for a concussion substitute with the ICC match referee in line with the ICC protocol.
“Cricket Australia statistics show that 30 per cent of concussions in Australian cricket are delayed. It is not uncommon for players to pass their tests and feel well on the day of an injury and then display symptoms 24 – 48 hours later.
“In terms of Steve’s availability for the third Test, this will be considered over the coming days but the short turnaround to the next Test is not in his favour. Steve’s fitness will be assessed on an ongoing basis.
“Steve will undergo a precautionary scan on his neck on Sunday.
“Despite the unfortunate nature of what has happened, the positive is that the concussion protocol, including the availability of the concussion substitute, which has been recently brought in has served its purpose. A player is no longer under pressure to take the field when he or she displays symptoms of concussion and a side is not disadvantaged having lost a player to a blow to the head or neck.
“Cricket Australia is proud to have been leaders in this area, having introduced concussion substitutes in domestic cricket and worked with the ICC to introduce them in international cricket.”
Ray Thomson
Guest
On a punting angle at what offical time was Steve Smith withdrawn
Silly Right Off
Guest
It would give Smith a lot more reasurance and confidence if he was provided with a helmet whoch provided all round protection of the head and neck. I cannot understand why it is not madatory that batsmen’s helmets have wire protection continuing all around the side and the back of the head to protect the sides and backs of the lower head and neck. Why it was not implemented after Phil Hugh’s death in 2014 is surely a lack of of duty of care by Cricket Australia and World Cricket. It is not a difficult element to design and if I was playing cricket, I would design and manufacture one for myself. It is not rocket science. The Japanese in the fifth century had skirts called Shikoro extending to the side and back of the Kabuto helmet (see Wikipedia) to protect the side and back of the lower head and neck from sword blows. Do we have to wait for another death before a helmet with full all round head, face and neck protection is made mandatory???
James
Roar Rookie
Australia need to give Smith the chance to recover both physically and mentally. He needs to miss the third test and play the tour game between the third and fourth tests. We are ahead. A loss in Test 3 will only level the series.
James
Roar Rookie
Yeah like the HIA in Rugby League where some players limp off with a cursory rub of their head and get a free HIA interchange. Anderson should have attempted to bowl one more ball, fallen over and hit his head. Subbed off replaced by Sam Curran. England missed a trick in first test! Please remove this rubbish rule. Concussed, look after him, Australia bat one short.
qwetzen
Roar Rookie
And will Smith recover his confidence? There have been quite a few players who were never the same after being sconed; Jamie Siddons and Alan Kippax to name two, but they were both pre-Phil Hughes. If it wasn't for Hughes you'd probably say 'yes' to Smith, but you'd think that it would now be at the forefront of his mind that he was a centimetre or two away from being dead.
badmanners
Roar Rookie
BF Jimmy carried an injury in to the game. That's gambling on your recovery so if you break down so be it, no subs. Agree re the head injury/concussion subs a completely different situation.
Gavan Iacono
Roar Rookie
Archer’s effect on this series is profound. Makes the pre-game banter about him running out of steam and thus being ineffectual a rather sizable back fire.
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
You don’t get the difference between a concussion and a calf strain? And given the current climate of HIA in all games? Legal ramifications on top of the duty of care? Surely you’re joking
Jeff
Roar Rookie
Correct. In theory every player can "bat". But Australia would not get approval from the match referee to sub in Starc for Smith and let him then open the bowling and send down 20 overs. They could sub Starc in, but he would be restricted to batting and fielding.
U
Roar Rookie
In the context of Smith, Lab is definitely a like for like. A batsman who can bowl part time leggies
Sgt Pepperoni
Roar Rookie
Interesting. Lots of grey areas. Thankfully it's a fairly uncommon occurrence in the game
Jeff
Roar Rookie
A substitute can't "just" bowl if the player being replaced doesn't have a track record of being a bowler. The replaced "batsman" having already bowled in the series will favour the substitute also being able to bowl. The decision on the substitute and the role they may play, is at the discretion of the match referee.
Rellum
Roar Guru
Someone will do that and the rules will be tightened up in some way. But if your are in the XI you can bowl. To suddenly suggest on of the XI is not allowed to bowl then there are issues there as well.
Sgt Pepperoni
Roar Rookie
Well that's the thing isn't it. If you've got a handy leg spinning all rounder like labs and he subs for khawaja for eg and starts taking wickets there might be a few grievances
anon
Roar Pro
By the way, why didn't he have the guards on the base of the helmet? If Smith doesn't play the next Test we have little chance of winning. Potentially not having guards on his helmet will cost us the chance of reclaiming the Ashes.
BarmyFarmer
Roar Rookie
I think it’s to discourage players being inclined to play on with concussion which can be very dangerous. Whereas muscular injuries are more wide ranging and typically not life threatening. I do agree though subs should be brought in for all injuries as essentially England missed 30-40 overs from a seam bowler in that first test. Guess the challenge is making it like for like..
Rellum
Roar Guru
Can a specialist batsmen bowl, of course they can. I don't think the rule is that detailed in it's wording. But of course when you don't over regulate everything people will abuse the rule.
anon
Roar Pro
This means he won't play the 3rd Test if his symptoms have worsened 24 hours later. He will not make a 100% recovery within four days.
Sgt Pepperoni
Roar Rookie
And can they bowl?
Rellum
Roar Guru
I think you guys are over thinking it. You just have to replace a specialist batsmen with another specialist batsmen.