Steven Smith has not been diagnosed with concussion as of Monday afternoon and is still being assessed, with a further update expected on Tuesday, ESPNcricinfo reported.
Steven Smith has not been diagnosed with concussion. As of Monday afternoon he is still being assessed after the blow to the head he took while batting in Durban, and a further update is expected on Tuesday, ESPNcricinfo reported. So the verdict, for now, is neither a clearance nor a diagnosis.
| At a glance | Detail |
|---|---|
| Status | No concussion diagnosis as of Monday afternoon; still being assessed |
| Next update | Expected on Tuesday |
| Day 4 fielding | Did not take the field at the start of South Africa's second innings; Michael Neser fielded as substitute in the cordon |
| If concussion is diagnosed | AAP reports a 12-day mandatory stand-down would rule him out of the second Test in Gqeberha, starting Sunday 18 October |
| Third Test | Cape Town, where he could return |
| Match state | South Africa 284 and 102 for 4, chasing 421; need 319 runs with six wickets in hand on day 5 |
The blow, in one paragraph
It came on the fourth delivery of Smith's innings, the fifth ball of the 13th over of Australia's second innings, when an Anrich Nortje bouncer struck his helmet. He was assessed on the field by the physio and the doctor, his helmet was changed and he batted on, making 27 off 41 balls before holing out to long-on against Simon Harmer.
What the stand-down would mean
This part is a conditional, not a forecast. If concussion is diagnosed, AAP reports the mandatory 12-day stand-down would rule Smith out of the second Test in Gqeberha, which starts on Sunday 18 October, though he could return for the third Test in Cape Town. There is no real need for a concussion substitute in this first Test, as his batting is done and he rarely bowls.
Webster's message
Beau Webster said he had not seen Smith since he came off and was hoping he was okay. He said Smith had copped a nasty knock to the head, and wished him well, hoping he would be back either on day five or for the next Test.
History and the injury list
Smith has suffered multiple concussions before, most notably the Jofra Archer blow at Lord's in the 2019 Ashes. He passed the on-field test then too, before being ruled out mid-match and replaced by Marnus Labuschagne. On Sunday, day 3, he reclaimed the Test record for most career catches, with four takes including two brilliant slip catches off Nathan Lyon.
Australia's injury list is already long. Cameron Green (abdominal strain) and Josh Inglis (fractured finger) were ruled out of this Test, and Nic Maddinson and Sam Harper were called up. Inglis has rejoined the squad and batted in the nets on Monday without issue, and Cooper Connolly is the other spare batter.
Match state
Australia made 390 and 314 for 6 declared. South Africa, who made 284 in the first innings, closed day 4 on 102 for 4 chasing 421, needing 319 more with six wickets in hand on day 5.
The update is reported by ESPNcricinfo (Andrew McGlashan), with details cross-checked against other outlets. Read the full story on Cricinfo. Cricinfo.
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