SA vs AUS: Steve Smith recovers from concussion after helmet hit, returns to field in Durban Test

Former Australia captain Steve Smith has been cleared of concussion to resume the fifth day of the first Test against South Africa at Kingsmead in Durban on Tuesday after undergoing a series of clinical assessments following a blow to the helmet.The 37-year-old batsman was hit by a short delivery from Anrich Nortje during Australia’s second innings. Smith tried to slide under the ball but misjudged its trajectory as it didn’t rise as he expected.Although he resumed batting after the incident and scored 27 off 41 balls before being caught at long-on by Simon Harmer, Smith did not take the field when South Africa opened their second innings on Monday. Michael Neser served as his backup infielder during this session.However, Smith returned to the field on Tuesday morning after being cleared under Cricket Australia’s concussion protocols. He was placed in the cordon as South Africa continued the chase and subsequently took a catch to dismiss Kyle Verreynn off the bowling of Matt Renshaw.“Steve Smith has undergone a number of clinical assessments over the past 24 hours in accordance with Cricket Australia’s concussion protocols and has been cleared to take the field this morning,” Cricket Australia said in a statement.

Smith’s concussion history raises concerns after a helmet hit

The incident brought back memories of Smith’s previous concussion scare during the 2019 Ashes in England, when he was hit on the head by fast bowler Jofra Archer and was forced to miss part of a Test match.Smith’s return to the field came after medical assessments over the previous 24 hours, with Australia following prescribed protocols before allowing the veteran batsman to resume his duties.His presence was a boost for Australia as they sought victory in the series opener, with South Africa putting up a determined fightback on the final day.

Australia close to victory as South Africa lose two wickets

South Africa went on to 102/4 on Tuesday, needing another 319 runs to win. They reached 166/6 by lunch after Australia struck twice to strengthen their grip on the contest.Opener Aiden Markram led the home resistance and remained unbeaten on 69 at the interval along with Marco Jansen on seven. The pair had to rebuild after Wiaan Mulder’s patient partnership of 69 runs for the fifth wicket ended with Markram when Josh Hazlewood had Mulder caught by Alex Carey.Part-time Matt Renshaw then dismissed Verreynn, who did just one before recklessly hitting Smith at slip.Renshaw was a standout performer with the bat for Australia, scoring 190 in the first innings and 82 in the second before adding two wickets to his contribution in the match.Australia needed four more wickets by lunch to seal victory in the opening Test. The second Test of the series is scheduled to begin in Gqeberha on Sunday.

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