Australia batsman Steve Smith has been ruled out of the final day of the second Ashes Test against England at Lord's with delayed concussion after he was struck by a Jofra Archer delivery on the fourth day, Cricket Australia has announced.
There was widespread concern when Smith suffered a horrifying blow to the neck from a fierce Jofra Archer delivery on day four of the second Test.
The batsman was persuaded to retire hurt after receiving treatment in the middle but returned to complete his innings little more than 40 minutes later.
However, he has now been deemed unfit to feature on day five at Lord's.
"Steve has been closely monitored by medical staff overnight and this morning reported that after sleeping well, he woke with 'a bit of a headache and a feeling of grogginess.'," read a statement from Cricket Australia.
"As part of the Cricket Australia concussion protocol, repeat concussion testing of Steve Smith was also performed this morning and demonstrated some deterioration from his testing which is consistent with the emergence of the symptoms he was reporting.
"On that basis Steve has been withdrawn from the match by team doctor Richard Saw and the Australia team will lodge an application for a concussion substitute with the ICC match referee in line with the ICC protocol."
Meanwhile, the Australian Cricketers' Association has criticised the small minority of fans at Lord's who booed Smith.
Following the incident, the batman was applauded warmly by most in attendance but there was a distasteful element who jeered, a common reaction since his return from a ball-tampering ban.
"The reality is that cricket can be a dangerous sport, especially when the bowling is as ferocious as it has been in this series. To see the (concussion) protocols practised at Lord's overnight was important and correct," said an ACA statement.
"What was unwelcome and incorrect was the sound of booing of an injured player. Cricket deserves much better than that. And Lord's, the home of cricket, deserves much better than that also.
"What we witnessed was bravery from an outstanding young man. It should be commended not vilified.
"Over the English summer, generally the crowds have been terrific and really added to the contest. But when someone is hurt, yet the boos continue, it's time to call 'enough.'
"At any rate, the players have already served the toughest penalties in the history of cricket. Surely it is time to move forward."
