Mark Waugh: Ashes tables turn after horror Smith verdict

A single, horrifying bouncer has exposed Australia at the most important hour — and one Aussie legend has warned to prepare for more bruises.

Oh how the tables can turn in an instant.

A nightmarish concussion review that put Steve Smith out of the third Test has rattled Australia’s Ashes campaign to its core. What was a gallant effort from the visitors at Egbaston to take the series by the scruff of the neck in the first Test petered out with a draw at Lord’s. And now, barely a fortnight after sitting as water cooler favourites, the tourists have passed the momentum to the hands of England days out from the third Test.

Former Aussie batsman Mark Waugh says Australia’s sleepy hands in the field cost them the match — and a crucial opportunity to zip the series by the end of August.

“We should have won on the fourth afternoon, there were three catches dropped and there were two non-reviews by Nathan Lyon, what are you doing, boy?!” Waugh exclaimed.

The 124-Test veteran said the not-so-quiet form of fiery seamer Jofra Archer has given the home side a significant advantage heading to Leeds.

The psychological weight of concussing the opposition’s best player and a deadly knack for bounce off English turf has sharpened the 24-year-old into England’s most effective tool this series.

“He’s brought a different dynamic to this series. I thought Australia were good things to win this series but with Jofra Archer coming in and bowling like that, I think it just balances the series up evenly,” Waugh said.

Waugh — who barely a week ago tipped Australia as easy favourites for the series — said his money was on England for the third Test.

“Someone shoot me, I’m actually going to pick England in this Test. Without Steve Smith, where are we going to get the runs?” he said, before imploring selectors to make a few changes to the starting XI.

Waugh said returning opener Cameron Bancroft, who has failed to notch a score over 20 in four innings, should be switched out for left-hander Marcus Harris, and for Mitchell Starc to make his return to the fold after two long Tests in the bleachers.

One bouncer is all it takes to derail a series.

FLETCHER: ‘EVERY TEAM DOES IT’

He’s been the topic of every NRL fan’s bar room chatter this week, but a damning verdict handed down to Cameron Smith after a piece of foul play won’t tarnish him, Bryan Fletcher says.

The former Australian forward weighed in after Smith was officially put on notice by the NRL when images emerged of him appearing to massage the ear of Raiders star Bailey Simonsson during Saturday’s clash in Melbourne.

He was penalised by referee Ben Cummins, who declared the act “rubbish on the face”.

But Fletcher went into bat for Smith this week, defending him for copping the brunt of criticism against the Melbourne Storm as the league’s favourite player to hate.

“It seems to me we’re punishing him for all these indiscretions, like the chicken wing,” Fletcher said. “(But) every team does it.

“I did another interview during the week (and said) every team has a wrestling coach, the difference with Melbourne is they’re mentally tough and they do it for longer.
“Watch the Titans, who are running last by a million lengths, they wrestle. But Melbourne can do it consistently and for long periods.”

Foul or fair? Bryan Fletcher said he has “no problem” with Cameron Smith’s tactics.

Fletcher said the image of Smith playing masseuse with Simonsson’s ear could have easily been taken out of context.

“When we used to play, were taught to hold them down with their jumper. Cameron was just pushing (down),” he said. “He’s just a competitor and I’ve got no problem with what he did, because every team is doing it.”

The Storm’s assistant coach Ryan Hinchcliffe rubbished claims Melbourne is deliberately employing the “wing nut” tackle on opponents after Smith’s public earbashing this week.

“You will see that he’s actually got a hold of his jersey in that tackle,” Hinchcliffe said.

“He’s trying to hold him on the ground and, yes his hand has ended up around his face but you have a look across all the games on the weekend and I’m sure you could find 20 or 30 or 40 of those types of tackles when hands end up around that area.

“I don’t think he was (massaging his ear), he was just trying to do his best to slow down that tackle.

“He is one of the most honest and hardworking players I’ve ever seen and he’s done it for 20 years so I don’t think it will do anything to his legacy at all.”