Australia batsman Steve Smith has retired hurt on 80 in the second Ashes test at Lord's after being struck on an unprotected part of his neck by Jofra Archer amid an extremely hostile spell of bowling by the England paceman.
A rising delivery by Archer knocked Smith — who was wearing a helmet — to the ground and England's players were quick to show their concern. After receiving medical treatment, Smith was back on his feet but left the field for further assessment, to applause by spectators at the home of cricket.
Archer had earlier struck the left foreman of Smith with a vicious delivery. Smith was in clear discomfort and had his arm strapped with protective padding by Australian medical staff.
Australia's Steve Smith receives treatment as lies on the ground after being hit on the head by a ball bowled b England's Jofra Archer during play on day four of the 2nd Ashes Test cricket match between England and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019. (AP PhotoAlastair Grant)
Archer was bowling at speeds of up to 96 miles per hour (154 kph).
Smith had made his 80 from 152 balls and was replaced by Peter Siddle. Australia was 204-6 at the time, replying to England's first-innings total of 258.
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Australia's Steve Smith receives treatment as lies on the ground after being hit on the head by a ball bowled b England's Jofra Archer during play on day four of the 2nd Ashes Test cricket match between England and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019. (AP PhotoAlastair Grant)
Australia's Steve Smith receives treatment as lies on the ground after being hit on the head by a ball bowled b England's Jofra Archer during play on day four of the 2nd Ashes Test cricket match between England and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019. (AP PhotoAlastair Grant)
Australia's Steve Smith lies on the ground after being hit on the head by a ball bowled b England's Jofra Archer during play on day four of the 2nd Ashes Test cricket match between England and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019. (AP PhotoAlastair Grant)