Australia Star Steve Smith Set For Tour Match Return

Smith is now expected to return to action in a three-day tour match at Derby starting Thursday with a view to being available for selection for the fourth Test at Old Trafford, Manchester

Aussie premier batsman Steve Smith is all set to return to action in a tour match against Derbyshire, since being concussed. Smith was ruled out of the third Ashes Test against England as it was always difficult for him to get fully fit with a turnaround time of three days between the second and ongoing third Test. The Aussie star batsman suffered a concussion after being hit by a 92 mph bouncer from England fast bowler Jofra Archer in the drawn second Test match at Lord's. He is now expected to return to action in a three-day tour match at Derby starting Thursday with a view to being available for selection for the fourth Test at Old Trafford, Manchester, that begins on September 4. "Steve Smith batted against bowlers for the first time today (Sunday)," said an Australia team spokesman. "The session lasted 25 minutes. He also did some high intensity running." The spokesman added: "He will continue to be assessed but is expected to play in the tour match at Derby." Smith, after completing his 12-month ban, made an impressive comeback to Test cricket. The former Australia captain made 144 and 142 in Australia's 251-run win in the first Test at Edgbaston and 92 at Lord's, having retired hurt on 80 when struck on his unprotected neck by Archer. South African-born Aussie cricketer Marnus Labuschagne, who became the first concussion sub in Test cricket in Australia's second innings at Lord's, replaced Smith in the XI for the third Test. So far, Labuschagne has made three successive fifties against England since replacing Smith, including scores of 74 and 80 at Headingley. Australia lead the five-match series 1-0 and victory in Leeds will see them retain the Ashes at 2-0 up with two to play.