Jofra Archer, the England pacer feared his aggressive bowling to Australian veteran batsman and ex-skipper Steve Smith in the second Test of the 2019 Ashes series could have resulted in the latter’s death. Jofra Archer claimed the cricketing fraternity couldn’t afford another casualty on the field after Philip Hughes’s death by a similar bouncer.
The duel between Jofra Archer and Steve Smith was one of the most riveting in Test cricket history. Jofra Archer, who debuted in the format in that match, unsettled the ace Test batter with plenty of short-pitched balls, including a nasty one that felled Steve Smith in the first innings. He copped a blow to his head, resulting in a concussion.
Jofra Archer: Obviously Another Cricket Related Death Isn’t Wanted
Jofra Archer said the blows could especially hurt players in England due to the cold weather. The 26-year old cited having fears of another cricket-related death when Steve Smith went down.
Australia’s Steve Smith was given the all-clear after being forced to retire hurt when he was struck by a short ball from England fast bowler Jofra Archer on the fourth day of the second Ashes Test at Lord’s in August 2019.
Steve Smith was on 80 when he was hit on the neck by test debutant Jofra Archer, who bowled a hostile spell from the Pavilion End during which his deliveries reached speeds of well over 90 miles per hour.
Steve Smith, who made 144 and 142 in Australia’s emphatic victory in the first test, had defied the England attack again as the touring side replied to the hosts’ first-innings total of 258.
“I think in England personally when the ball hits you it can feel a lot worse than it is because sometimes it’s a bit cold and I thought it was that until I actually saw him roll … when he went down and then he rolled on his back, I went ‘oh dear,’ you know.
“I thought it was very serious, but he came out and he batted again. Obviously you don’t ever want a cricket related death. There was one already and there’s no need for another one. It’s hard enough trying to get the kids to come and play cricket.”
Although Steve Smith returned to bat in the first innings after sustaining a concussion, he couldn’t do so in the second. The 32-year old also missed the third Test at Headingley as England won a thrilling game by a wicket. Former Australia batsman Phillip Hughes died after being struck by a bouncer in the neck during a first-class match in Sydney in 2014.
Australia successfully applied for a concussion substitute, bringing in Marnus Labuschagne as a replacement for Steve Smith, who suffered a delayed concussion after copping a blow to his neck during a fiery Jofra Archer spell.
Jofra Archer Praised Steve Smith’s Resilience In The 2019 England Ashes Tour As He Failed To Dismiss The Batsmen Even Once
Jofra Archer, who failed to dismiss Steve Smith even once throughout the series, hailed his resilience and concentration. Although he relished the challenge, the right-arm pacer felt he wasn’t meant to dismiss Steve Smith.
“I know they say he’s tough as nails anyway, but I don’t think he would have come out to bat again if he wasn’t. Just his resilience. You are putting yourself out there and risking everything for your team. Honestly, throughout that whole series, I just think his wicket wasn’t for me. There were a few top edges that could have gone to hand. But I just enjoyed the challenge.”
Steve Smith enjoyed a highly productive Ashes series, mustering 774 runs in four Tests at 110.57. The former Australian skipper’s monumental efforts were instrumental in Australia retaining the urn. His scores read 144, 142, 92, 211, 82, 80, and 23 in that series.
Interestingly, Marnus Labuschagne, the concussion substitute has an impressive average of 61.21 in 19 Tests amassing 1959 runs already while Steve Smith is one step ahead of him, averaging 61.39 in 78 Tests amassing 7552 runs. After Don Bradman‘s 99.94 average, Australian Adam Voges is 2nd best averaging 61.87 in 20 Tests followed by the Steve Smith-Marnus Labuschagne duo.