Steve Smith hit by Anrich Nortje bouncer, misses fielding duties on Day 4; Australia await replace

Australia suffered a possible damage scare on Day 4 of the primary Test towards South Africa in Durban on Monday after Steve Smith was struck on the helmet by a short-pitched supply from Anrich Nortje. The former Australia captain underwent an on-field concussion evaluation and didn’t take the sector when South Africa started their second innings.

Steve Smith undergoes concussion evaluation

Smith was examined for concussion by Australia’s group physician and physiotherapist, and he modified his helmet earlier than persevering with his innings. The right-hander subsequently confronted extra deliveries from Nortje and went on to attain 27 off 41 balls earlier than being caught at long-on off Simon Harmer.Cricket Australia stated Smith can be assessed additional and that an replace can be supplied “later right this moment or tomorrow”. He was absent from the sector when South Africa started their chase, with Michael Neser taking his place within the fielding cordon.Australia are unlikely to require a concussion substitute for the rest of the Test, on condition that Smith has accomplished his batting obligations and is not a daily bowling possibility.

Smith’s historical past of concussion raises concern

The incident brings again reminiscences of Smith’s concussion through the 2019 Ashes at Lord’s, when he was struck on the neck by a Jofra Archer bouncer. Smith was dominated out of the rest of that Test earlier than returning to the sequence. Smith had additionally impressed within the discipline earlier within the ongoing match, taking two excellent catches at slip off reverse-sweep makes an attempt towards Nathan Lyon.

Australia take care of damage setbacks on South Africa tour

Australia have already been pressured to make modifications to their squad through the ongoing tour. Cameron Green was dominated out of the opening Test with an stomach pressure, whereas Josh Inglis missed the match after fracturing a finger.Their absences led to the call-ups of Nic Maddinson and Sam Harper. Maddinson, specifically, marked his return to Test cricket after a decade by opening the innings in Durban. Inglis has since rejoined the Australian squad and accomplished a batting session on Monday as he continues his restoration from the finger damage sustained through the first ODI towards South Africa final month.