Australia batter Steve Smith will undergo a concussion assessment after being hit on the helmet by Anrich Nortje during the first Test against South Africa on Monday. Smith did not take the field later. All-rounder Beau Webster said, "I hope he's OK," while wishing him the very best recovery.
SA vs AUS, 1st Test: Steve Smith to undergo concussion assessment after blow on helmet left Steve Smith will undergo concussion Test after being hit on the helmet during the 1st Test against South Africa. AFP AFP https://ss-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/z0zfcl/article71578541.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/AFP_D2Q322R.jpg MARCO LONGARI CORRECTION / Australis's Steve Smith walks in the field on day one of the first Test match between South Africa and Australia at the Kingsmead stadium in Durban on October 9, 2026. (Photo by Marco Longari / AFP) / "The erroneous mention[s] appearing in the metadata of this photo by Marco Longari has been modified in AFP systems in the following manner: [Steve Smith walks in the field] instead of [Marnus Labuschagne walks back to the pavilion after his dismissal]. Please immediately remove the erroneous mention[s] from all your online services and delete it (them) from your servers. If you have been authorized by AFP to distribute it (them) to third parties, please ensure that the same actions are carried out by them. Failure to promptly comply with these instructions will entail liability on your part for any continued or post notification usage. Therefore we thank you very much for all your attention and prompt action. We are sorry for the inconvenience this notification may cause and remain at your disposal for any further information you may require."
The 37-year-old was trying to duck under a short-pitched delivery that did not rise as much as he expected on the fourth day of the Kingsmead Test on Monday.
Durban
Experienced Australia batter Steve Smith will undergo further concussion assessment after being struck on the helmet by pacer Anrich Nortje during the opening Test against South Africa.
The 37-year-old was trying to duck under a short-pitched delivery that did not rise as much as he expected on the fourth day of the Kingsmead Test on Monday.
Smith did not take the field when Australia returned to bowl in South Africa's second innings. He will be assessed over the next 24 hours.
"I hope he's OK," all-rounder Beau Webster said during the post-day interaction.
"He obviously copped a nasty knock in the head there... (we are) wishing him all the best. Hopefully, you know, he's back and out of this either tomorrow or in the next Test in Gqeberha," said Webster.
Smith made 27 before falling to spinner Simon Harmer.
Under Cricket Australia's concussion and head trauma policy, Smith would have to observe a minimum 24-hour stand-down period if diagnosed with concussion and cannot return to cricket-related activity until cleared by a medical officer.
Smith has a history of concussion, having missed part of an Ashes Test in 2019 after being struck on the head by England fast bowler Jofra Archer.
The second Test of the series is scheduled to begin in Gqeberha on Sunday.