Steve Smith ruled out of third Ashes Test
London, Aug 20 (IBNS): After suffering a concussion during the second Ashes Test, Australian batsman Steve Smith has been ruled out of the third Test of the iconic series.
The Australian cricketer, who is considered as one of the key batsmen in the squad, was hit in the neck by a 92mph bouncer from Jofra Archer on day four of the second Test.
He passed an initial concussion test and then returned to the field and continued his innings.
Smith has scored 142, 144 and 92 in his three innings he played in the series so far.
Coach Justin Langer confirmed the news two days out from the third Test on a cold Tuesday morning at Headingley, with Smith appearing understandably downbeat around his teammates, reported Cricket Australia.
The third Test will be played in Leeds.
Manus Labuschagne is expected to play in the third Test in place of Smith.
Marnus Labuschagne became the first concussion substitute after Smith was hurt in the match.
He made 59 as Australia survived a tense final evening to end the match in a draw.
Australia are currently 1-0 up in the series.
The third Test will start on Aug 22.
2019 Qantas Ashes Tour of England
Australia squad: Tim Paine (c), Cameron Bancroft, Pat Cummins, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Michael Neser, James Pattinson, Peter Siddle, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, David Warner.
England squad: Joe Root (c), Moeen Ali, Jimmy Anderson, Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Joe Denly, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes (vc), Olly Stone, Chris Woakes.
First Test: Australia beat England by 251 runs at Edgbaston
Second Test: Match drawn at Lord's
Third Test: August 22-26, Headingley
Tour match: Australians v Derbyshire, August 29-31
Fourth Test: September 4-8, Old Trafford
Fifth Test: September 12-16, The Oval
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