Smith mulls using a neck guard
something every team wants to have. It is up to us to make some new plans and get better,’’ Paine said.
Root said his team ‘‘threw everything’’ at Australia to force a result, but believes they have responded strongly to losing the first test.
The squad for the third test is due to be announced today and is likely to be unchanged, although England are considering tinkering with the batting order again, with the experiment of Root at No 3 under consideration following his first-ball duck in the second innings. Joe Denly could move to three, allowing Root to retake his favourite position at four.
Jason Roy’s position as opener is also up for discussion, but England feel they should give him more time after years of chopping and changing their opening partnerships.
– The Daily Telegraph Australian cricketer Steve Smith is considering using a neck guard, despite feeling ‘‘claustrophobic’’ when the attachment is clipped onto his helmet.
Smith became international cricket’s first concussion substitute on day five of the second Ashes test at Lord’s after a bouncer from England bowler Jofra Archer struck him on the neck.
He is expected to miss the third test that starts in Leeds on Thursday.
Smith was diagnosed yesterday with what he termed a mild concussion.
Smith and David Warner are among Australia’s batsmen who don’t use neck guards. Smith finds it uncomfortable, 1News reported.
‘‘I along with a few other players in the team find it a little bit different, uncomfortable to what we’re used to,’’ Smith said in London.
‘‘I feel a little bit claustrophobic when it’s on. I feel like I’m enclosed and not overly comfortable.
‘‘But it’s certainly something I need to probably have a look at.
‘‘Perhaps try in the nets and see if I can find a way to get comfortable with it.’’