Justin Langer: It's a no-brainer to leave Steve Smith out of 3rd Test

Steven Smith with coach Justin Langer at Headingley yesterday

London: Australia's star batsman Steven Smith has been ruled out of the third Ashes Test beginning tomorrow after suffering concussion, a decision which coach Justin Langer said was a "no brainer".

Smith - who has scored two centuries and 92 in his three innings in the first two Tests - was felled by a Jofra Archer bouncer on Saturday in the first innings of the second Test at Lord's. Smith's absence will be a huge blow to Australia who hold a 1-0 lead in the five Test series and for whom victory at Headingley would ensure they retained the Ashes.

Their other batsmen have not looked convincing - experienced opener David Warner has totalled just 18 in his four innings - with Smith being the lynch-pin. "When we followed the protocols he was probably a couple of days off being fit to be selected," said Langer at a press conference.

"It was really a no-brainer. He felt a bit better yesterday but he's not going to have enough time to tick off everything he's got to do."

Langer said losing Smith was as big a blow as England losing pacer Jimmy Anderson in the first Test. "It's not unlike England losing Anderson. He's arguably their best bowler and we're going to lose arguably our best batsman for this Test match," said Langer.

Catch up on all the latest sports news and updates here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever