WATCH - Jofra Archer copies Steve Smith's batting in practice in Headingley

Jofra Archer made a massive impact in the Lord's Test against Australia. Archer, who helped England win the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup, bowled a spell of tremendous hostility and managed to hit Steve Smith on the side of the neck with a pacy bouncer. The blow resulted in Smith retiring hurt but he resumed batting after some time and struck some boundaries before being OUT LBW for 92. 
However, the blow to Smith resulted in him being ruled out of the third Test in Headingley. On day five of the Lord's Test, Smith was withdrawn from the match and Marnus Labuschagne became the first batsman to be included as a concussion substitute in cricket. Both teams are gearing up for Headingley and Archer once again grabbed the headlines during the practice session.

In a video uploaded by Cricket Australia, Archer was seen imitating Steve Smith's batting action. Archer copied Smith's batting perfectly, leaving the balls outside off stump in his typical flinching Samurai action while he unfurled the lofted shot in the same way as Smith. 
Smith and Archer were team-mates for the Rajasthan Royals franchise and the England pacer would have picked up a batting tip or two from close quarters.

Is that Jofra Archer or Steve Smith in the nets at Headingley? #Ashes @alintaenergy pic.twitter.com/RT5ADoSUjr

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) August 22, 2019

Archer's furious pace resulted in five wickets on his debut but his blow to Smith resulted in a debate for neck guards being made mandatory. England will be aiming to bounce back and level the series in Headingley. The 30-year-old suffered the concussion when he was felled by a Jofra Archer bouncer on Saturday in the first innings of the second Test at Lord's.

"Steve Smith has been ruled out of the third Ashes Test at Headingley, with coach Justin Langer confirming the news after the batsman sat out Australia's training session on Tuesday," Cricket Australia announced on their website. Coach Justin Langer confirmed his absence after Smith sat out Australia's training session on Tuesday. It has not been confirmed who will replace Smith in the Australia squad for the third Test at Headingley.

In the 21st century Ashes clashes, both England and Australia have won one game in Leeds. England won in 2001 when Mark Butcher slammed 173 and helped them chase down 315 while in 2009, Mitchell Johnson took five wickets to help Australia inflict an innings defeat.

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HIGHLIGHTS

• Steve Smith has been ruled out of the third Test in Headingley.
• Jofra Archer impressed on his Test debut in Lord's.
• Australia won their last Ashes encounter in Leeds in 2009.