Steven Smith stays off the field after blow to the head

After being hit in the helmet by Anrich Nortje on the fourth day of the first Test against South Africa in Durban, Australia batsman Steven Smith was being evaluated for concussion.

On Monday, a bouncer from Nortje caught Smith on the helmet with the fifth ball of the 13th over of Australia's second innings and pinned him on the fourth delivery of his innings. In the end, the ball ended up flying to fine leg. Before Smith continued his innings, he was evaluated on the field by the physiotherapist and the doctor, as is required, and his helmet was changed. Before picking out long-on against Simon Harmer, he made 27 of 41 attempts.

At the beginning of South Africa's second innings, substitute fielder Michael Neser fielded in the cordon. Smith did not play. On the third day, Smith had caught flawlessly, particularly with his two slips from reverse sweeps against Nathan Lyon.

"Later today or tomorrow," CA stated, a further update would be forthcoming. Smith had not been diagnosed with a concussion as of Monday afternoon; however, if he were, he would need to be symptom-free for some time before being selected once more.

There is no real need for Australia to utilise a concussion substitute for the remainder of the first Test, given Smith has finished his batting role and he rarely bowls these days.

Throughout his career, Smith has sustained multiple concussions, the most severe of which was the terrifying blow he received from Jofra Archer at Lord's in 2019.

During the current South Africa tour, Australia has dealt with a number of injuries. Cameron Green (abdominal strain) and Josh Inglis (fractured finger) were ruled out of the opening Test, thus resulting in call-ups for Nic Maddinson and Sam Harper. Maddinson was chosen to open the Durban Test, which turned out to be his first tournament in ten years.

Inglis, who suffered his injury during the first ODI against South Africa last month, rejoined the squad in Durban, and had a bat on Monday. He was Smith's backup last year when he was injured in the WTC final and missed the first Test against West Indies in Barbados.

On October 18, the second Test against South Africa begins in Gqeberha.