Photo via The Times of India

Smith hit by Nortje bouncer, misses fielding duties on Day 4; Australia await update

Steve Smith’s Test series against South Africa took a concerning turn on Day 4 in Durban after he was struck on the helmet by a short-pitched delivery from Anrich Nortje. The former Australia captain underwent an on-field concussion assessment and was subsequently removed from the fielding duties, with Michael Neser filling his role as South Africa began their second innings.

Smith, who had already scored 27 runs off 41 balls before the incident, continued his innings after changing helmets and passing further medical checks. Cricket Australia confirmed he would receive further evaluation, with an update expected later today or tomorrow.

The incident reignited concerns over Smith’s concussion history, particularly after a similar incident during the 2019 Ashes at Lord’s, where he was ruled out of the remainder of that match before returning to the series.

Australia’s squad has already faced injury setbacks during the tour, with Cameron Green sidelined by an abdominal strain and Josh Inglis missing the match after fracturing a finger. Nic Maddinson and Sam Harper were called up to replace them, with Maddinson making a rare return to Test cricket after a decade-long absence by opening the innings in Durban.

Inglis has since rejoined the squad and participated in batting drills as he recovers from his injury sustained in the first ODI against South Africa.

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