Ashes 2019: Steve Smith loses battle to play

Australia’s chances of retaining the Ashes take a body blow as Steve Smith is ruled out by medical staff.

Justin Langer speaks to Steve Smith during the Australia Nets session at Headingley Picture: Getty Images.

Australia’s chances of retaining the Ashes took a body blow on the eve of the third Test, when Steve Smith was ruled out by medical staff.

The brilliant batsman withdrew from the last day of the Lord’s Test after being diagnosed with delayed concussion and has not recovered in time for ­tomorrow’s critical game.

Smith, who is averaging 126 since making a comeback to cricket at the start of the series, struck a forlorn figure at Headingley last night (AEDT). He ­arrived with the squad but did not join training, spending a long time with coach Justin Langer and former captain Mark Taylor.

His absence will be a blow to the Australians, who lead the ­series 1-0 and are in position to win their first Ashes series in ­England since 2001.

Smith suffered a sickening blow to the neck from a bouncer by English bowler Jofra Archer on the fourth day at Lord’s.

He fell to the ground and was briefly motionless as opposition players and medical staff from both teams ran to his aid.

He was taken from the field for a concussion test but re­appeared to continue his innings 45 minutes later.

Smith woke feeling groggy the following day and was diagnosed with concussion.

He was not wearing a neck guard when he was hit. The protector was developed after his teammate Phillip Hughes was killed by a ball during a Sheffield Shield match at the SCG in 2014.

A lot of batsmen find them uncomfortable, but vice-captain Travis Head said witnessing Smith’s close escape had changed his mind. “I didn’t usually (wear one),” he said. “I think what we have seen at Lord’s, with the slope, there was a lot of balls following batters and going down the slope. I wore it yesterday and probably will wear it for the rest of the series, I guess.”