Steve Smith faces concussion assessment after helmet blow in Durban Test

Steve Smith will undergo further concussion tests after failing to take the field in Australia's fourth innings against South Africa in Durban. He was hit by an Anrich Nortje bouncer early in his second innings and received initial clearance to bat on. Smith scored 27 off 41 balls before being caught at long-on off Simon Harmer.

The 37-year-old has a history of concussion issues. He was famously stood down from an Ashes Test in 2019 after being struck by a Jofra Archer bouncer. If diagnosed with a concussion, Smith would face a minimum 24-hour stand-down under Cricket Australia's concussion policy and could miss the second Test in Gqeberha starting October 18.

Australia are chasing six more South Africa wickets on the final day. Michael Neser took Smith's place in the cordon as a substitute fielder. Josh Inglis had a batting session on Monday as he continues his recovery from a broken finger sustained during the first ODI against South Africa last month.