Australia’s star batsman Steve Smith has been ruled out of the third Ashes Test in Leeds after he failed to recover in time from the concussion he sustained at Lord's.
Coach Justin Langer confirmed the news on Tuesday at Headingley during the practice session.
In the second Test at Lord’s, Smith was the first player in international cricket to be substituted out of a match following the scary blow to the neck from Jofra Archer.
While he was keen to bat on following the blow, Australia team doctor Richard Saw removed Smith from play as a precaution, and after passing a series of concussion tests the No 4 resumed his innings.
But later in the match, Smith was subbed out for Queensland's Manus Labuschagne after the former complained of headaches. Labuschagne starred on Sunday with 59 to ensure Australia drew the second Test and preserved their 1-0 series lead.
Labuschagne appears to be the favourite to take Smith's place in the XI for the clash in Leeds if required.
Smith has been in imperious form during the Ashes, scoring 142, 144 and 92 in his three innings so far.
His prolific form has seen him rise to No.2 in the ICC Test batting rankings, just nine rating points behind India captain Virat Kohli.
Dr Saw had the final say on Smith's involvement in the match, as per Cricket Australia's concussion protocols. Smith requires the approval of Dr Saw before he can resume playing.
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