Steve Smith resumed to fielding duties on the fifth day of Australia’s first Test against South Africa at Kingsmead in Durban, having been cleared of a concussion. On October 13, 2026, he was in the slip cordon from the first delivery of the day after making catches during the warm-up before the game.
A second concussion evaluation, conducted over the 24-hour period following day four, preceded the clearance. On the fifth ball of the thirteenth over, Anrich Nortje’s bouncer hit Steve Smith on the helmet during Australia’s second innings. Nortje bowled at 150.1 km/h all day, according to Cricket Australia.
Following the incident, Steve Smith was assessed on the field and permitted to resume hitting.
He hit 27 off 41 balls before Simon Harmer caught him at long on. Later that day, Michael Neser replaced Smith as a substitute fielder when South Africa batted in the second innings.
What requirements did Cricket Australia’s concussion protocol specify?
According to Cricket Australia’s concussion and brain trauma policy, any player diagnosed with a concussion must take at least a 24-hour break and cannot continue cricket-related activities without the agreement of a medical officer. In compliance with that requirement, Steve Smith withdrew from fielding duties during South Africa’s second innings on Day 4 while his evaluation was still underway.
The Australian medical staff was delighted that he had met all of the prerequisites for his return, as indicated by his presence at the first slip from ball one on day five. Cricket Australia did not provide an official timestamp for the clearance, and the problem remains unresolved.
What does Australia have to lose on the final day?
Australia declared before the tea break on day four, giving South Africa a record chase goal of 421 runs. Australia needed six more wickets to win the series and take a 1-0 lead into the final day.
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The second Test begins on Sunday in Gqeberha. Smith’s return to the pitch is expected to make him available for that game, which might help Australia win the series.
