Jofra Archer's fierce bouncer struck Steve Smith on the neck, felling him and forcing him out of the next Test with delayed concussion symptoms.
During the 2nd Ashes Test at Lord's in 2019, Jofra Archer, playing only his second Test match, bowled a ferocious bouncer that struck Steve Smith on the neck just below the left ear. Smith collapsed to the ground and lay motionless for several minutes while medical staff attended to him.
Smith eventually got back to his feet and continued batting briefly before being retired hurt. He had been in magnificent form, having scored a double century in the previous Test. Despite initially passing concussion tests, Smith was later ruled out of the 3rd Test at Headingley with delayed concussion symptoms — the first time the ICC's new concussion substitute rule was invoked in Test cricket.
Archer's bowling speed — regularly over 90 mph — made him a formidable weapon. The incident raised discussions about the physical dangers of fast bowling at the highest level. Archer was not accused of intentionally trying to hurt Smith, but the bouncer was part of a sustained short-pitched barrage. Smith's absence from the Headingley Test proved crucial as England, inspired by Ben Stokes's incredible unbeaten 135, won one of the greatest Tests ever played to level the series.
No action against Archer — short-pitched bowling is a legitimate tactic. Smith's absence from the 3rd Test changed the series dynamics.
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