Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
tom dutton

Steve Smith taken to hospital as 'precautionary' measure

Steve Smith has been taken to hospital for a "precautionary" X-ray after taking a fierce Jofra Archer delivery to his arm in the second Ashes Test at Lord's on Saturday.

Smith's arm swelled immediately but he opted to continue with a guard before being forced to retire hurt after a subsequent Archer ball struck his neck.

Smith hit the deck after the second blow and remained on the floor for an extended period before stumbling to his feet. He left the field with the team doctor but later returned to the field after passing a medical assessment.

Remarkably, he hit his first two balls after returning for four, clubbing Woakes to wide long-on then easing into a backfoot cover drive. He was eight short of what would have been a brilliant century when he completely misread a Chris Woakes delivery, a highly unusual error, and was plumb lbw.

It is understood Smith has now been taken to hospital, though this is considered a precautionary measure and relates to the arm injury rather than the later blow to his head.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.