Steven Smith ducked into a short ball from Anrich Nortje and took it on the helmet in Australia's second innings at Kingsmead. He carried on to make 27, but when South Africa began their second innings, Michael Neser took the field in his place.
Steven Smith was struck on the helmet by a short ball from Anrich Nortje during Australia's second innings on day four of the first Test against South Africa at Kingsmead, Durban, on Monday, ESPNcricinfo reported. Play was held up for several minutes while Smith was assessed for concussion and brought a new helmet, and he went on to make 27. But when Australia huddled on the boundary before South Africa's second innings, Smith was not with them, and Michael Neser took the field in his place. Cricket Australia said Smith was being monitored, with an update to come later today or tomorrow; he had not been diagnosed with concussion as of Monday afternoon.
| At a glance | Detail |
|---|---|
| Match | South Africa v Australia, 1st Test, Kingsmead, Durban, day 4, 12 October 2026 |
| The blow | Short ball from Anrich Nortje; Smith ducked into it and it glanced the top of his helmet |
| On-field response | Play held up for several minutes; on-field concussion assessment; Smith cleared to continue at the time; replacement helmet brought on |
| Smith's innings | 27 off 41 balls, including three consecutive fours; caught in the deep off Simon Harmer |
| After tea | Smith absent from Australia's fielding side; Michael Neser fielded in his place |
| Cricket Australia | Smith being monitored; update expected later today or tomorrow; not diagnosed with concussion as of Monday afternoon |
| Previous day | Smith took three slip catches on day three |
| Next | The second Test begins in Gqeberha on 18 October |
How the blow happened
The blow came early in the day's play, as reported by Cricbuzz's ball-by-ball account: Smith ducked into a short delivery from Nortje, the 43rd of the morning, and the ball clanged into him, glancing near the top of his helmet. After the assessment and the helmet change, the next ten balls he faced came from Simon Harmer, then Nortje ran in at him again, and Smith answered with three consecutive fours through the off side. The burst seemed to confirm he was fine. He faced another 22 balls after the blow before holing out to the deep off Harmer.
Then he did not take the field
The worry resurfaced at the interval. Michael Neser was spotted warming up during the tea break, and when the Australians gathered before South Africa's innings, Smith was not among them. Cricket Australia confirmed he would be assessed. Cricinfo noted there is no real need for a concussion substitute for the rest of this Test, given Smith has finished his batting and he rarely bowls, but his absence still leaves Australia without their slip cordon anchor for the chase.
Smith has suffered multiple concussions before, most seriously the blow from Jofra Archer at Lord's in 2019, which makes any head strike for him a bigger story than most. His health now matters not just for this chase but for the second Test in Gqeberha starting 18 October.
Details are from ESPNcricinfo's story by Andrew McGlashan, cross-checked against Cricbuzz and Fox Sports' coverage of the incident. Read the full story on Cricinfo. Cricinfo.
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