Sports · Cricket · 1 hr ago
Australia close in on Durban win as Steve Smith faces concussion assessment
Australia moved close to victory over South Africa in the first Test in Durban.
Their strong position followed contributions from several batters, including Matt Renshaw, who scored 82 after making 190 earlier in the match.
The team’s main concern is Steve Smith, who was struck on the helmet by a fast delivery from Anrich Nortje.
Smith passed initial checks and continued batting, but later underwent further assessment for possible concussion.
Symptoms can appear after a delay, so his condition was due to be assessed overnight.
If he has concussion, he may miss the next Test in Gqeberha, which is scheduled to begin on Sunday.
Australia may use a concussion substitute for the final day in Durban, and Smith would then follow Cricket Australia’s concussion protocols.
Australia are closing in on victory over South Africa in the first Test at Kingsmead in Durban.
Steve Smith is undergoing further assessment after being struck on the helmet by an Anrich Nortje bouncer.
His concussion status is expected to be determined overnight, with a possible impact on the second Test in Gqeberha.
Matt Renshaw made 82 as Australia extended their lead to 420.
- Who
- Australia and South Africa are playing in the first Test. Steve Smith is being assessed for a possible concussion.
- What
- Australia are closing in on victory while awaiting the outcome of Smith’s assessment.
- When
- October 13, 2026. Smith was struck on day four.
- Where
- Kingsmead in Durban, South Africa.
- Why
- Smith is being assessed after a bouncer struck his helmet. Australia’s lead reached 420, leaving South Africa to chase the target.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Anrich Nortje’s bouncer struck Smith on the helmet, and team medical staff assessed him.
Smith went on to score 27 before being caught while trying to hit Simon Harmer for a second six.
Australia extended their lead to 420, and South Africa’s chase began after the tea break.
Smith’s concussion status was due to be determined, with possible implications for the second Test.
- Venue
- Kingsmead, Durban
- Smith’s score
- 27
- Australia’s lead
- 420 runs
- Renshaw’s score
- 82 from 99 balls
- Next Test
- Gqeberha, scheduled to begin on Sunday
What people are saying
I hope he’s okay
He obviously copped a nasty knock in the head there, but yeah, wishing him all the best. Hopefully, you know, he’s back out with this either tomorrow or in the next Test in PE [Gqeberha].
Sources
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