Durban: Australia batter Steven Smith was being assessed for a possible concussion after being struck on the helmet by Anrich Nortje during the first Test against South Africa in Durban.
Australia faced a potential injury concern involving experienced batter Steven Smith after he was hit on the helmet by South African fast bowler Anrich Nortje on the fourth day of the opening Test in Durban.
Smith did not take the field when South Africa began their second innings on Monday, raising concerns about his condition following the blow he sustained while batting earlier in the day.
Cricket Australia confirmed that Smith was undergoing assessment, with a further update expected later on Monday or Tuesday.
Smith struck by Nortje bouncer
The incident occurred during Australia’s second innings when Nortje delivered a short-pitched ball that struck Smith’s helmet. The delivery came on the fifth ball of the 13th over, with the ball deflecting towards fine leg.
Smith was assessed on the field by the team doctor and physiotherapist, following which his helmet was replaced. He initially continued batting and went on to score 27 runs from 41 deliveries before being dismissed by Simon Harmer, picking out the fielder at long-on.
However, the Australian batter’s absence from the field at the start of South Africa’s second innings prompted further attention to his condition. Michael Neser took his place as a substitute fielder.
Smith had made an important contribution in the field earlier in the match, producing several impressive catches, including two outstanding efforts at slip off reverse-sweep shots against Nathan Lyon.
No concussion diagnosis confirmed
At the time of the latest update on Monday afternoon, Smith had not been diagnosed with concussion. Cricket Australia’s medical team was continuing to assess him following the impact.
Under cricket’s concussion protocols, a player diagnosed with concussion must meet the required recovery and return-to-play criteria before being cleared to compete again.
Australia were unlikely to require a concussion substitute for the remainder of the match, given Smith had completed his batting innings and is no longer a regular bowling option.
Nevertheless, his condition remained a concern for the Australian camp, particularly given his previous history of head injuries.
Smith’s previous head injury raises concern
Smith has experienced concussion-related incidents during his career, with one of the most memorable occurring during the 2019 Ashes series at Lord’s.
He was struck on the neck by a Jofra Archer bouncer, forcing him to leave the field for medical assessment. The incident became one of the defining moments of that Ashes contest and highlighted the risks associated with high-speed short-pitched bowling.
The latest blow in Durban will therefore attract close attention as Australia monitor the experienced batter’s recovery.
Australia dealing with multiple injury setbacks
Smith’s situation adds to Australia’s injury concerns during their tour of South Africa.
Cameron Green, who was dealing with an abdominal strain, and Josh Inglis, who suffered a fractured finger, were unavailable for the opening Test. Their absence opened the door for Nic Maddinson and Sam Harper to receive call-ups.
For Maddinson, the Durban Test marked his first appearance in Test cricket in a decade, with the left-hander selected to open the batting.
Inglis has since rejoined the Australian squad in Durban and was seen batting in the nets on Monday as he continued his recovery. He had sustained the finger injury during the opening ODI against South Africa last month.
The wicketkeeper-batter had previously stepped in for Smith during Australia’s first Test against the West Indies in Barbados last year, when Smith was sidelined by a broken finger suffered during the World Test Championship final.
Australia await Smith’s fitness update
Australia will be hoping Smith avoids a significant injury setback as they prepare for the remainder of the South Africa series.
The second Test is scheduled to begin in Gqeberha on October 18, making the medical assessment of the senior batter particularly important for Australia’s planning.
For now, the team will await further medical updates before determining Smith’s availability for the upcoming fixture.
