Steven Smith doesn’t take the field after blow to the head while batting

Tuesday, 13 October 2026 03:14 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Australia batter Steven Smith was being assessed for concussion on the fourth day of the first Test against South Africa in Durban after a blow to the helmet from Anrich Nortje.

Smith was pinned on the fourth delivery of his innings on Monday, when a bouncer from Nortje took him on the helmet on the fifth ball of the 13th over of Australia’s second innings. The ball ended up flying around to fine leg. As is mandatory, Smith was assessed on the field by the physio and the doctor, while his helmet was changed before he continued his innings. He made 27 off 41 balls before picking out long-on against Simon Harmer.

Smith did not take the field at the start of South Africa’s second innings, with substitute fielder Michael Neser fielding in the cordon. Smith had caught brilliantly on the third day, especially with his two takes at slip from reverse sweeps against Nathan Lyon.