Matthew Wade will undergo a concussion test on Sunday morning after being struck on his helmet grille in a nasty short-leg scare at the SCG.
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Marnus Labuschagne could do no wrong with the bat on day two of the third trans-Tasman Test but his first delivery was a long hop which Tom Latham smashed straight in the direction of the close-in fielder's face.
Labuschagne and Latham both rushed to check on Wade's welfare after the powerful blow as the stoic Tasmanian quickly bounced back to his feet.
Wade was assessed by Australia's team doctor Richard Saw on the field after the incident, which came in Saturday's second last over.
Dr Saw gave Wade the green light to stay on the park.
Wade passed a concussion test in the rooms but would undergo another check on Sunday morning, as per Cricket Australia's protocols.
"It's never nice," Labuschagne told reporters.
"I've been hit there plenty of times, so I know the feeling.
"It's never nice when you're the bowler - drag one down first ball, right in the slot.
"Luckily, he's alright and everything is all good. It is never good."
The International Cricket Council introduced concussion substitutes last year, allowing teams to replace a player knocked out mid-Test.
Labuschagne was the first beneficiary of the rule, having replaced Steve Smith in Australia's XI at Lord's last year after the former skipper was struck by a Jofra Archer bouncer and suffered a delayed concussion.
The concussion-sub law dictates that teams must find a like-for-like replacement.
Australian Associated Press
