The batsman was hit by a bouncer during the Lords Test and was rested
Batsman Steve Smith is set to play again for Australia in the Ashes series after he was hit by one of Archer’s bouncers on the neck below the left ear. The incident happened during the Lord’s Test which was the second match of the Ashes 2019 series. Smith suffered a concussion from the hit and did not play in the third match of the series. The fourth Test of the series kicks off on September 4. Smith is ready to face England and Jofra Archer’s bouncers again in the upcoming match.
‘I’m not really going to change anything. There’s been a bit of talk that he’s (Archer’s) got the wood over me, but he hasn’t actually got me out. He hit me on the head on a wicket that was a bit up and down at Lord’s. He actually didn’t get me out so all the other bowlers have had more success against me, I dare say’, Smith commented.
During his short break in the Ashes series because of his injury, Smith has managed to pass all the medical tests required for him to be allowed to play in the Test match at Old Trafford. The batsman also admitted that he was reminded of Phillip Hughes’ head injury five years ago right after he was hit by Archer’s bouncer.
‘I had a few things running through my head, particularly where I got hit, just a bit of past came up if you know what I mean from a few years ago. That was probably the first thing I thought about then I was like “I’m OK here” and I was alright’, stated Smith. The Aussie batsman returned to play on the field again shortly after he was hit. Signs of concussion showed later that day.
Since the incident, there has been an ongoing discussion in regards to cricket’s safety gear. Some experts believe that Smith’s injury might have been prevented or lessened if he was wearing a neck guard during the match. Smith recently stated that he is not comfortable wearing a neck guard during a match but he will wear them once they become mandatory. Betwala has more information regarding cricket’s safety gear and clothing.
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