'Like I'd Had a Dozen Beers': Smith Opens Up on Post-Concussion Struggles in 2019 Ashes
Smith was hit by Archer [Twitter]
Australian batting mainstay, Steve Smith, recently reflected on the tormenting experience of being struck on the head by a delivery from Jofra Archer during the 2019 Ashes series. Smith recounted his experience on the Legend of the Ashes podcast where he revealed that the symptoms of concussion did not become evident until he returned to bat, despite clearing all concussion tests initially.
Steve Smith reflects on Jofra Archer's nasty bouncer in Ashes 2019
Archer, who debuted in Test cricket at Lord's, stunned with a high-speed spell consisting of precise, short-pitched deliveries. One of these powerful throws found its mark on Smith, hitting the seemingly unflappable batter at the back of his head.
The 34-year-old endured concussion tests before returning to the pitch, but his performance did not match his usual standards as he was subsequently dismissed lbw by Chris Woakes for 92.
According to Smith, it was a challenging time for him. He mentioned that he was hit on the arm, narrowly avoiding some pull shots that resulted in top edges, and successfully finding a couple of gaps. However, the Aussie batter revealed that he also experienced a significant blow to the back of his head which caused considerable pain.
"It was a very difficult period to get through. I caught one on the arm, got away with a few pull shots that are top edge and a couple in the gaps. And then I copped one in the back of the head, which hurt a fair bit,” said Smith.
Smith stated that during that particular moment, he was unaware that he had suffered a concussion. After taking some tests and passing them, he didn't realize the extent of his condition until he returned to the field. The former Australian captain divulged that around half an hour later, when the adrenaline subsided, he began feeling dazed like he had consumed a significant amount of alcohol.
"At that stage, I didn't realise I was getting concussed. I went off and did all the tests, passed all the tests. It wasn't until I came back out. Half an hour after, when the adrenalin sort of went out of my system and I started to feel quite groggy, probably like I'd had a dozen beers, to be honest,” added the World No. 6 Test batter.
Due to the concussion, Smith was forced to sit out of the next Test at Headingley. However, the former Australian captain made a grand return in the fourth game in Manchester, scoring a spectacular 211 and 82. He concluded the Ashes 2019 with an astounding total of 774 runs in four Tests at an astonishing average of over 110.54
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