Smith has made history throughout his remarkable run-laden career but on Sunday he did so in a fashion that no player would ever want.

The former skipper was on the wrong end of international cricket's first concussion substitution, a policy the sport introduced at the start of this Ashes.

Smith woke up with a headache and other concussion symptoms on day five of the drawn second Test at Lord's, having passed several tests on day four after being hit on the neck by a Jofra Archer bouncer.

Marnus Labuschagne claimed Smith's place in the XI had played a key role in Australia's successful stonewall, facing more balls than any of his teammates.

Both camps will now quickly turn their attention to the Test that starts in Leeds on Thursday, with all eyes on Smith.

There is no mandated minimum time on the sidelines beyond the initial 24 hours but given the gradual steps Smith must take it would be staggering if he completes a miraculous recovery in such a short period.

Tim Paine, who was among the players to express skepticism about the new rule prior to the first Test, is nonetheless upbeat.

"I reckon it will be tough to stop Smithy walking out," Paine said.

"I haven't been to university, so I'm taking the advice - as Steven is - from our doctors.

"He'll be reassessed in the next few days, probably constantly I would imagine.

"Cricket Australia have pioneered the concussion sub and it is something they take very seriously, I know our doctor does."

Smith is also hopeful of being fit for the next Test.

"But it's certainly up to the medical staff," Smith added.

"Concussion is an area of concern and I want to be 100 per cent fit."

England skipper Joe Root described the moment that Smith hit the deck, face first, as "horrible".

"You never want to see anyone get hurt," Root said.

"I couldn't believe he came back out but he was desperate to do well for Australia and his teammates.

"We'll plan for him to be ready to play and keep trying to find ways to get him out."

Smith had no issues with being withdrawn from the second Test, calling it the "right decision".

Smith defended coach Justin Langer and team doctor Richard Saw for letting him bat on Saturday after the frightening blow that dredged up memories of Phillip Hughes' death.

"I passed all the tests and felt fine, felt normal," Smith said.

"They (Langer and Dr Saw) were both happy and I was comfortable as well."

Smith is reconsidering his refusal to use a neck guard while batting, even though the talented batsman feels "claustrophobic" when the attachment is clipped onto his helmet.

Smith is upbeat he will recover in time to face England at Headingley but the touring party are bracing for the superstar to miss at least that game.

Super sub Labuschagne entered Lord's as trivia-night fodder but left as part of Ashes folklore, doing the heavy lifting alongside Travis Head as Australia salvaged a dramatic draw in the absence of Smith.

Concussion substitute Labuschagne, who replaced Smith in the XI on Sunday morning, scored 59 from 100 balls as the tourists batted out 47.3 overs on day five of the second Test.Australia finished 6-154 after being set a target of 267.

Vice-captains Head and Pat Cummins soaked up immense pressure, surviving almost half an hour in fading light to ensure Australia take a 1-0 series lead to Leeds.

Head's unbeaten 42 from 90 deliveries was a crucial piece of the stonewall, while England were left to lament a simple slips catch that out-of-form opener Jason Roy dropped when Head was on 22.

There was no shortage of tension at the home of cricket, where Archer threatened to bounce England to victory on debut but was then denied two final overs because of bad light.

England declared midway through Sunday's post-lunch session at 5-257, thanks largely to man of the match Ben Stokes' 115 not out.

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