Australia are closing in on victory over South Africa in Durban, but the result has been overshadowed by concern over Steve Smith’s possible delayed concussion after he was struck on the helmet by a bouncer.
Smith was hit by a delivery from Anrich Nortje during the morning session and underwent further assessment while watching the final stages from the team viewing area in his tracksuit. He did not field in the evening and is also likely to miss the fifth day.
The 37-year-old initially passed the assessments conducted on the field and returned to bat after a replacement helmet was brought out. He made 27 before being caught on the boundary while attempting to hit Simon Harmer for a second six over long-on.
His concussion status will be determined overnight, with the outcome potentially ruling him out of the second Test in Gqeberha, which begins on Sunday. If Smith is replaced by a concussion substitute, he will have to enter Cricket Australia’s concussion protocols.
Cooper Connolly and Josh Inglis appear to be the leading options to replace him. Inglis batted in the nets on Monday while recovering from a broken finger, although Cameron Green has not yet done so and Connolly is the only other reserve batsman.
“I hope he’s OK,” said Australia all-rounder Beau Webster. “He obviously copped a nasty knock in the head there, but yeah, wishing him all the best. Hopefully, you know, he’s back out with this either tomorrow or in the next Test in PE [Gqeberha].”
Smith has previously experienced concussion and vertigo problems since being struck on the side of the neck by Jofra Archer during the 2019 Ashes. He has also missed matches because of vertigo symptoms, most recently in Adelaide during last summer’s Ashes series.
Australia’s immediate position in the match remained strong. Captain Pat Cummins extended the third innings until the lead reached 420, with South Africa beginning their chase after tea.
Matt Renshaw again made a major contribution, scoring 82 from 99 balls after his first-innings 190. He narrowly missed out on a second century when Keshav Maharaj appeared to keep hold of a juggling return catch, with the third umpire Richard Illingworth ruling that the ball had not touched the ground.
Nic Maddinson, Marnus Labuschagne, Alex Carey, Webster and Cummins also added useful runs before Australia turned to their attack.
Josh Hazlewood removed Ryan Rickelton and David Bedingham, while Renshaw claimed his first Test wicket when Temba Bavuma was dismissed via a bat-and-pad catch. Cummins then had Tristan Stubbs edging behind, leaving South Africa with six wickets still standing at the close.
Australia missed Smith’s presence in the field, with Aiden Markram surviving a chance that passed Labuschagne at slip off Nathan Lyon. Their attention now turns to whether Smith will recover in time for the next Test, or whether his latest head injury will keep him out for longer.
