London: Steve Smith was forced to retire hurt after being struck on the neck by a short ball from England fast bowler Jofra Archer on the fourth day of the second Ashes Test at Lord’s on Saturday.
Smith had moved on to 80 not out when he was hit by Archer, who bowled a hostile spell from the Pavilion End during which his deliveries reached speeds of 96 miles per hour.
Smith fell face forward onto the ground. He was wearing a helmet without the additional neck protection. Smith received several minutes of on-field treatment involving both Australian and English medical staff.
Smith came back and was out on 92 when he shouldered arms to a Woakes delivery that nipped back and was plumb lbw to leave Australia 234-8.
Archer was spotted laughing along with fellow cricketer Jos Buttler when Smith fell face forward onto the ground.
Archer, making his Test debut, had previously struck Smith on his unprotected forearm with another bouncer during a fiery eight-over spell that cost 31 runs.
Archer pinned Rory Burns to get his maiden Test wicket. But it was his bouncer to Steve Smith on the fourth day that grabbed all the limelight.
Archer’s chilling attitude did not go well with Cricket fans as many questioned his sportsman spirit on Twitter. A few of them reminded them of what happened to Phillip Hughes.
