Australia’s Steve Smith left the field after being struck on the helmet by a short ball from South Africa’s Anrich Nortje during Day 4 of the first Test in Durban. The right-hander underwent a concussion assessment on the field and did not return when South Africa began their second innings.
Smith took a blow to the helmet but continued his innings after changing to a new helmet. He faced more deliveries from Nortje and managed to score 27 runs off 41 balls before being caught at long-on off Simon Harmer. Australia’s team doctor and physiotherapist conducted a concussion test, and Cricket Australia confirmed that Smith would undergo further assessment with an update expected “later today or tomorrow.”
When South Africa resumed their chase, Smith was absent from the fielding side, replaced by Michael Neser. Given that Smith has completed his batting duties and is not a regular bowler, Australia are unlikely to request a concussion substitute for the rest of the match.
The incident brought back memories of Smith’s concussion during the 2019 Ashes at Lord’s, where he was hit on the neck by a Jofra Archer bouncer and ruled out for the remainder of that Test. Smith returned later in the series after recovering. Earlier in the Durban Test, he had impressed in the field, taking two catches at slip off reverse-sweep attempts from Nathan Lyon.
Australia’s tour of South Africa has already seen injury disruptions. Cameron Green missed the opening Test with an abdominal strain, and Josh Inglis was sidelined due to a fractured finger. Their absences led to the inclusion of Nic Maddinson and Sam Harper in the squad. Maddinson opened the innings in Durban, marking his first Test appearance in a decade. Inglis has since rejoined the squad and completed a batting session on Monday as he continues to recover from the finger injury sustained during the first ODI against South Africa last month.
Cricket Australia’s latest update on Smith’s condition is awaited as the team manages the fallout from this latest injury scare.
According to Yahoo Sports.
