{
  "id": 16001670,
  "title": "Steve Smith set to bat on final day, but Aussie coach McDonald defends under-fire batters",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/22/steve-smith-set-to-bat-on-final-day-but-aussie-coach-mcdonald-defends",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-22T05:15:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "IOL",
    "slug": "iol",
    "url": "https://iol.co.za/sport/cricket/proteas/2026-10-22-steve-smith-set-to-bat-on-final-day-but-aussie-coach-mcdonald-defends-under-fire-batters/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Australia's coach Andrew McDonald has revealed that Steve Smith will be the final batsman on the second day of their Test match at St George's Park. The team currently stands at 156/4, trailing by 170 runs, with Travis Head (87*) and Scott Boland (2*) at the crease. Smith, Australia's leading run-scorer at 28 in the first innings, has been dealing with neck stiffness since and required medical attention both on and off the field. This has led McDonald to decide that it would be best for Smith to bat on the final day, giving him more time to recover. McDonald explained that while this isn't a long-term issue, it does require some adjustment from Smith's technique. The Australian batting lineup has drawn criticism following their 13 wicket fall in the fourth day of the match, with particular focus on Marnus Labuschagne and Beau Webster. Despite this, McDonald has emphasized that he will not single out any specific players for removal and remains confident in the team's abilities. He acknowledged the team's consistent performance over time and expressed belief that the players will be able to turn the tide tomorrow, even if they don't succeed on this day. Should the team fail to recover, McDonald indicated that they would regroup in Cape Town and continue their campaign.",
  "summary": "Australia's coach Andrew McDonald has confirmed that Steve Smith will bat on the final day of the second Test at St George’s Park.",
  "key_points": [
    "Steve Smith to bat last on second day of Test match",
    "Australia trailing 170 runs behind 156/4",
    "McDonald defends under-fire batters, no single player removed"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Prioritizing Steve Smith's physical recovery over immediate stability signals a management strategy that values long-term player health despite mounting criticism regarding the current batting lineup's inconsistent performance.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}