Smith retires hurt after being struck on neck by Archer bouncer

Steve Smith retired hurt in the second Ashes Test at Lord’s after a titanic tussle with Jofra Archer ended with the batsman floored by a 92.4mph bouncer.

Smith was on 80 not out on the fourth afternoon, his latest epic knock of the series, when he was struck in the neck by a steepling delivery from the debutant.

Smith, who had already received treatment for a nasty blow on the left forearm and fended off a lightning fast 96.1mph ball aimed at his ribs, hit the deck immediately and remained on the floor for an extended period before stumbling to his feet.

Members of both teams’ medical staff attended to him and the 30-year-old was eventually persuaded to leave the pitch, despite being seemingly reluctant to do so.

Smith was applauded from the field, with his side 55 behind on 203 for six.