Watch: After Injuring Steve Smith, Jofra Archer Copies His Batting Style

The upcoming third Ashes Test in Leeds has already lost one of the biggest stars – Steve Smith. The former Australia skipper is out of action after being hit by a Jofra Archer bouncer in the previous game. Smith was batting on 80 when a thunderbolt from Jofra Archer hit him on the neck. Smith fell on the ground immediately and walked off.

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He, however, returned later and scored 12 more runs before Chris Woakes sent him back. But the Australia batting mainstay suffered a late concussion and became the first player in international cricket to be concussed. Marnus Labuchagne had replaced him on day five of the game. Smith has been the standout performer with the bat in the series thus far.

In three innings, his scored read 144, 142 and 92. It won’t be very wrong to say that the right-hander has been the difference between Australia and England thus far. No doubts then that the cricketing world would miss Smith in the upcoming game. Well, Jofra Archer seems to have been trying his best to make sure the world does not miss Smith much.

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Ahead of the third Test, the England star was seen replicating Smith’s unorthodox batting style in nets. Jofra Archer was not only leaving the balls in Smith’s trademark style but was also hitting the big shots like the way Smith does.

Here is a clip showing Jofra Archer replicating Smith’s style:

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

Meanwhile, Australia captain Tim Paine has said his team have got plans in place to deal with the threat of Jofra Archer. Archer had caused all sorts of problems for the Aussies with his pace and bounce in the previous outing.

“Obviously, we copped some short-pitched bowling, I think guys prepared for it but it’s another thing facing it. Guys have got plans in place and we’ve prepared really well for it, it’s now about going out and executing it,” said Paine.

Australia lead the five-match series 1-0. If they win the upcoming game, they will take an unassailable 2-0 lead and retain the Ashes.