Archer’s smile has critics frowning
England fast bowler Jofra Archer has come in for heavy criticism on social media for smiling after hitting Australian batsman Steve Smith in the neck.
On a dramatic fourth day of the second Ashes test at Lord’s, Australia were bowled out for 250 and England were 96-4 at stumps – a lead of just 104.
The day was overshadowed by an alarming injury to Smith who was smashed in the neck and on the left arm during a menacing spell by Archer.
After copping the ball to the neck, Smith fell face-first to the turf, and England’s close-in fielders quickly rushed to his aid. However, Archer was seen not long after smiling with team-mate Jos Buttler while Smith was still on the turf.
There was no suggestion the smiles had anything to do with the incident but nonetheless the actions sent some into a spin, while there was also criticism for those in the crowd who booed Smith on his return to the crease after retiring hurt.
Smith didn’t field in England’s second innings as he underwent x-rays to his arm which showed there was no fracture.
Once again he held together the visitors’ brittle batting lineup with a courageous 92, as no other player passed 50.
It was during a mesmerising spell midway in the afternoon session that he was felled twice by the lightning-fast Archer, who bowled superbly on his debut, clocking up speeds in excess of 154kmh in an eight-over stint.
Despite the loss of Matthew Wade (6) and Tim Paine (23) after Australia started the day on 80-4, Smith, ably supported by Cummins (20), held firm against quality bowling from Archer, Stuart Broad and Chris Woakes.
The former skipper was on 70 when he was hit on the left arm and immediately recoiled in pain, with the Australia medical team applying an arm pad to the affected area so he could continue batting.
He’d added 10 more runs to his total when Archer steamed in with a fearsome delivery and in a chilling reminder of the death of Phillip Hughes, Smith slumped face down on the pitch after being struck.
Smith was assessed by team doctor Richard Saw as he underwent Cricket Australia’s head injury protocol and was led away from the field.
He returned 40 minutes later after Siddle (9) was dismissed by Woakes and added 12 to his total before being trapped lbw by the seamer.
‘‘There was also criticism for those in the crowd who booed Smith on his return to the crease after retiring hurt.’’