Ashes 2019, England vs Australia: Steve Smith ruled out of second Test; Labuschagne becomes first concussion substitute

Marnus Labuschagne who took Steve Smith's place on Sunday, becomes the first concussion substitute in international cricket.

Steve Smith lies on the ground after being hit on the neck by a bouncer from England bowler Jofra Archer on day four of the second Ashes Test at Lord's Cricket Ground.

Steve Smith, who was hit by a Jofra Archer bouncer on Saturday, has been ruled out of day five of the second Ashes Test at Lord's with delayed concussion. Smith's unlikely to feature in the third Test at Leeds.

Smith reported waking up with "headache" and "groginess" in the morning. Marnus Labuschagne who took his place on Sunday, becomes the first concussion substitute in international cricket after ICC approved Cricket Australia's application.

A Concussion Replacement is a player who takes the place of a player who has been replaced in accordance with the process set out in clause 1.2.7, and who for the remainder of the match replaces that player on that side’s list of nominated players, being able to take a full part in the match (subject to such restrictions as may be imposed by the ICC Match Referee in accordance with clause 1.2.7.4 8). A Concussion Replacement Request is the notification made to the ICC Match Referee in accordance with the process set out in clause 1.2.7.3 8.4  The Team Medical Representative is the individual designated as having responsibility for the assessment of any head or neck injury sustained by a player as set out in clause 1.2.7.2

READ | Ashes 2019: Smith blow brought up 'rough memories' for Langer

"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," a statement from Cricket Australia read.

"On that basis Steve has been withdrawn from the match by team doctor Richard Saw and the Australia team will lodge an application for a concussion substitute with the ICC match referee in line with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.

"In terms of Steve's availability for the third Test, this will be considered over the coming days but the short turnaround to the next Test is not in his favour. Steve's fitness will be assessed on an ongoing basis. Steve will undergo a precautionary scan on his neck on Sunday."