Australia’s Steven Smith is currently under medical evaluation after being struck on the helmet by a bouncer during the first Test against South Africa in Durban. The incident occurred on the fourth day of play, when Smith faced a delivery from Anrich Nortje in Australia’s second innings.
Smith was hit on the helmet by the fifth ball of the 13th over, with the ball deflecting towards fine leg. Following the standard protocol, the team physio and doctor assessed him on the field. After a helmet change, Smith continued batting, ultimately scoring 27 runs from 41 deliveries before being caught at long-on by Simon Harmer.
However, Smith was absent at the start of South Africa’s second innings, with Michael Neser stepping in as a substitute fielder. Earlier, Smith had impressed with his fielding, making two excellent catches in the slip cordon on the third day against Nathan Lyon’s bowling.
Cricket Australia has stated that further updates on Smith’s condition will be provided “later today or tomorrow.” As of Monday afternoon, no concussion had been confirmed. Should Smith be diagnosed with concussion, he will need to pass a symptom-free period before resuming play. The likelihood of utilising a concussion substitute appears low, as Smith has completed his batting duties and is seldom called upon to bowl.
Smith has experienced several concussions in his career, the most notable being the incident with Jofra Archer’s bouncer at Lord’s in 2019.
Australia’s tour of South Africa has been marred by other injuries; Cameron Green’s abdominal strain and Josh Inglis’s fractured finger ruled them out of the first Test, leading to the inclusion of Nic Maddinson and Sam Harper. Maddinson, making his Test return after a decade, opened the innings in Durban.
Josh Inglis, injured in last month’s ODI against South Africa, rejoined the team in Durban and had a brief net session on Monday. Last year, Inglis deputized for Smith when he missed a Test against the West Indies due to a broken finger sustained during the World Test Championship final.
The second Test of the series is scheduled to commence in Gqeberha on October 18th.
