Steve Smith concussion: Australia warned against 'incredibly dangerous' selection for Headingley Test

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Tom Dutton20 August 2019

Australia have been warned against risking Steve Smith in the third Ashes Test, which starts at on Thursday at Headingley.

A leading brain charity has claimed thrusting Smith back into the heat of competition just days after a blow to the head is "incredibly dangerous" amid fears delayed reaction times could lead to further injury.

The Australian batsman retired hurt during the first innings of the Lord's Test on Saturday after he was struck behind the ear by a 92.4mph Jofra Archer bouncer.

He was assessed by medical staff and given the all clear to return to the middle within an hour, but his condition deteriorated overnight and the 30-year-old was withdrawn from Sunday's final day.

Brain charity Headway's deputy chief executive, Luke Griggs, said: "Cricket has been caught on the back foot a little bit with concussion. We thought it was an American football, rugby or football issue, but we are slowly beginning to realise that it affects all sports.

"The reaction time of a batsman facing a 90 mph-plus delivery is incredibly small and yet it is absolutely vital they are fully concentrated.

"With concussion the vision can be blurred and the brain can be slow at processing information. That leads to delayed reaction times and is just incredibly dangerous."

It remains to be seen whether Smith will play in the the third Test.

The player has indicated he would like to, if passed fit, while captain Tim Paine said "it would be tough to stop Smithy walking out".

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