Advertisement

The Ashes: Steve Smith resumes innings after sickening blow from Jofra Archer's bouncer

Steven Smith is hit in the head by a ball from Jofra Archer of England during day four of the 2nd Ashes Test at Lord's. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
Steven Smith is hit in the head by a ball from Jofra Archer of England during day four of the 2nd Ashes Test at Lord's. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

Jofra Archer’s vicious bouncer forced Australian batsman Steve Smith to retire hurt on 80 during the first innings of the second Ashes Test at Lord’s, before Smith made a return less than ten overs later.

Smith marched to a record seventh consecutive Ashes 50, before Archer began to cause chaos at the crease in his spell, reaching speeds of 96 miles per hour and firing a warning to the former Australia captain with a short ball that crashed into his unprotected front arm.

Seemingly unfazed Smith flew to 80 off 152 balls before Archer’s delivery in the 77th over bounced savagely off the wicket and into the side of the talismanic batsman’s head before he had a chance to evade.

After several moments of concern laying on the ground, Smith began to move and following a lengthy delay eventually was standing aided by physios.

Under the concussion protocol Smith was forced to leave the field temporarily scuppering his chance of hitting yet another century in this series.

Smith is assessed by Australian Team Doctor after he was struck by a delivery from Jofra Archer. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Smith is assessed by Australian Team Doctor after he was struck by a delivery from Jofra Archer. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Smith walked off to a standing ovation from the concerned but relieved Lord’s crowd.

The Australian team announced shortly after the incident that Smith was being assessed by medical staff, and the batsman returned to the crease in the 85th over after Siddle was removed by Woakes.

Head injuries are carefully monitored following the death of Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes after a ball struck his neck at a domestic game at Sydney Cricket Ground in 2014.

Featured from our writers: