Australia Vice-Captain Steve Smith will undergo a second test for concussion following a gruesome blow to his head on day four of the first Test against South Africa in Durban on Monday.
Smith sustained the injury while batting during Australia’s second innings. He looked to duck a short-length ball from pacer.
To Smith’s surprise, the ball didn’t rise as much as Smith would have anticipated, and as a result, the ball ricocheted off his helmet before it bounced towards fine leg. The former Australia skipper was then assessed for concussion on the field and was given the green light to continue his innings.
The 37-year-old was eventually dismissed for 27 by Simon Harmer as later declared their second innings with a total of 314/6, setting the Proteas a target of 421.
were 102/4 after 41 overs at stumps on day four, and Aiden Markram (45 not out) and Wiaan Mulder (5 not out) will resume their run chase on Tuesday.
Smith did not take the field during the hosts’ run chase on Monday because of the injury. As per Cricket Australia’s rules, Smith will need to stand down for a minimum time of 24 hours following the concussion assessment, and won’t be able to return to the field until a medical officer approves his participation. Should Smith clear the test, he will be able to take the field on Tuesday.
had also undergone a concussion test during the 2019 Ashes series in England. The incident took place during the second Test at Lord’s, when England pacer Jofra Archer unleashed a bouncer.
Smith, who scored 92 runs in the first innings of that match, was struck on the helmet, and while he did pass the concussion test, he was ruled out of the rest of the match. then replaced Smith in the second innings as a concussion substitute.
Australia have sustained multiple injury setbacks leading up to the Test series against South Africa. Josh Inglis resumed batting in the nets on Monday after missing the ongoing first Test due to a finger injury.
All-rounder Cameron Green also missed the first Test due to an abdominal strain. Earlier, a knock of 190 from Matt Renshaw powered the Aussies to a total of 390 in the first innings. South Africa responded with a total of 284 in their first innings.
The second Test will be played in Gqeberha from 18 October, followed by the third Test in Cape Town from 27 October.
