Steve Smith will wear stem guards at Old Trafford following concussion in second Ashes Test

Smith was the first player in Test history to require a concussion substitute following the incident, which sparked further conversations about cricket’s relationship with head injuries

Steve Smith has confirmed he will wear stem guards on his helmet on his return to Test cricket at Old Trafford.

The Australia batsman missed the third Ashes Test against England through concussion after being struck on the back of the neck by Jofra Archer’s bouncer at Lord’s last month.

Smith was the first player in Test history to require a concussion substitute following the incident, which sparked further conversations about cricket’s relationship with head injuries.

Stem guards - additional protection for the base of the helmet, designed in the aftermath of the tragic death of Phillip Hughes in 2014 - are not required to be worn under ICC or Cricket Australia rules.

Smith has previously said that he feels “claustrophobic” when using them, but in the wake of what happened at Lord’s he is ready to give them a go.

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“I tried. I’ve been wearing them in the nets. The thing that got to me is I wear my collar up when I bat… and it sort of hits it,” he told Sky Sports prior to the start of play on day one at Old Trafford.

“It just wobbles around a bit.

“They’re going to become mandatory at some point so I’ve just got to get used to it and get on with it.

“I think I’ll be wearing it out here.”

Australia won the toss and opted to bat first in Manchester.

The visitors can retain The Ashes with victory this week.