Steve Smith suffers helmet blow in first South Africa Test
Steve Smith was struck on the helmet by Anrich Nortje and did not field during South Africa's chase in the first Test at Durban.
Australia batting stalwart Steve Smith did not take the field during South Africa's run chase on the fourth day of the first Test at Kingsmead after being hit on the helmet by a bouncer from Anrich Nortje. The 37-year-old was struck on the fourth delivery of his second innings and required a helmet change before continuing.
Smith scored 27 off 41 deliveries before being dismissed by Simon Harmer. Australia declared at 314 for six, setting South Africa a target of 421. Matt Renshaw scored 82 in the second innings to help set the challenging total.
Cricket Australia stated that Smith had not been diagnosed with concussion as of Monday and would require a symptom-free period before being available for selection. A further update was expected later on Monday or Tuesday. South Africa reached 81 for two in their chase, needing 340 more runs.
CricHubb Take
The incident highlights the cumulative risk Smith carries at 37. Each blow to the helmet shortens the already narrow window in which he remains selectable for Test cricket, regardless of his batting form.