The South African-born Marnus Labuschagne returned to Australia’s XI after substituting the concussed Steven Smith during the second Ashes series Test at Lord’s in London last week.

When the Klerksdorp-born right-hander debuted for Australia last year, teammates had plenty of trouble pronouncing an admittedly difficult surname.

Labuschagne will likely be retained for this week’s third Test at Headingley in Leeds. Smith has been ruled out of the fixture.

Smith was struck on the side of neck by England fast bowler Jofra Archer on day four of the second Test. He retired hurt and later returned to bat. His condition deteriorated overnight, though, and his participation on day five was not allowed.

Labuschagne was subsequently introduced as Test cricket’s first formal substitution and was also felled by a short ball from Archer. Labuschagne didn’t retire hurt and struck a steely half-century to force a draw.

England, meanwhile, will be without fast bowler James Anderson again. He bowled a mere four overs in the series opener at Edgbaston in Birmingham and was ruled out of the second completely.

‘Anderson is making progress from his injured right calf. He will step up his rehabilitation this week by playing for Lancashire second XI against Leicestershire in a three-day friendly at Northern Cricket Club, Liverpool,’ read a statement from the England and Wales Cricket Board.

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