DURBAN : Australia batter Steve Smith is undergoing concussion assessment after being struck on the helmet by a delivery from South Africa fast bowler Anrich Nortje during the first test in Durban, raising doubts over his availability for the final day.
Smith was hit by a Nortje bouncer early in his second innings after ducking into a short-pitched delivery that did not rise as much as he expected. The right-hander was assessed for concussion and cleared to continue batting after facing just four balls.
However, Australia’s vice-captain did not return to the field when the visitors began their fourth-innings fielding effort and is expected to undergo further medical assessment over the next 24 hours.
Australia are hopeful Smith will be cleared to resume playing as they chase six more South African wickets on the fifth day in pursuit of a memorable away test victory.
All-rounder Beau Webster offered little further detail on Smith’s condition at stumps but expressed hope that the experienced batter would recover quickly.
“I hope he’s OK,” Webster said. “He obviously copped a nasty knock in the head there… (we are) wishing him all the best. Hopefully, you know, he’s back out with us either tomorrow or in the next Test in Gqeberha.”
If Smith is diagnosed with concussion, he will be ruled out of fielding on the final day. Under Cricket Australia’s concussion and head trauma policy, a confirmed diagnosis requires a minimum 24-hour stand-down, with a return to cricket-related activity dependent on medical clearance.
Smith has a history of concussion and vertigo symptoms. He was famously forced to miss an Ashes test in 2019 after being struck on the helmet by England fast bowler Jofra Archer, with Marnus Labuschagne becoming the first concussion substitute in test cricket.
The second test against South Africa is scheduled to begin in Gqeberha on October 18, with the third and final match to follow in Cape Town two weeks later.
