Steve Smith hit by Anrich Nortje bouncer, misses fielding duties on Day 4; Australia await update
During the first Test, Steve Smith took a blow to the helmet from Anrich Nortje. Following a concussion evaluation on the field, he switched helmets and carried on to score 27 runs. However, he was absent during South Africa's second innings. With Cameron Green and Josh Inglis already sidelined due to injuries, the Australian team faces further challenges. Updates on Smith's health are expected…
On Day 4 of the first Test between Australia and South Africa in Durban, Steve Smith was struck on the helmet by a short-pitched delivery from Anrich Nortje, prompting an on-field concussion assessment. Smith did not take the field when South Africa resumed their second innings and was subsequently replaced by Michael Neser. The Australian team doctor and physiotherapist tested Smith for concussion, and he changed his helmet before continuing his innings.
Despite facing more deliveries from Nortje, Smith managed to score 27 off 41 balls before being caught at long-on off Simon Harmer. Cricket Australia stated that Smith would be assessed further, with an update expected later on the same day or the following one. This incident echoes Smith's previous concussion during the 2019 Ashes at Lord's, when he was struck on the neck by a Jofra Archer bouncer.
The news brings back concerns about Smith's concussion history, which caused him to miss the remainder of that Test. In other injury-related news, Australia has already had to make changes to their squad during the ongoing tour, with Cameron Green and Josh Inglis both ruled out due to separate injuries.
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