Live Update: Steve Smith is free of concussion and returns to the field on day five in Durban. Steve Smith has passed his concussion assessment and was back for the fifth day of the first Test against South Africa at Kingsmead, Durban.
Steve Smith was cleared of his concussion and returned to field duties on day five in Durban. (Source:) Steve Smith has been cleared of his concussion and returned to field duties on day five of the first Test between Australia and South Africa at Kingsmead, Durban. He was present in the slip cordon from the opening throw of the day on October 13, 2026, having taken catches in the warm-up period before the start of the game. The clearance was followed by another concussion assessment, which was conducted within 24 hours of the fourth day.
Smith was hit on the helmet by a bouncer from Anrich Nortje in Australia’s second innings, the blow coming on the fifth ball of the 13th over. Cricket Australia confirmed that Nortje bowled at 150.1km/h throughout the day. Smith was examined on the field immediately after the incident and was cleared to continue batting.
He made 27 off 41 balls before being caught at long-on by Simon Harmer. When South Africa came into the game in the second innings later in the day, Smith was not in the field and Michael Neser acted as a substitute in his place. What did Cricket Australia’s concussion protocol require?
Cricket Australia’s concussion and head injury policy states that any player diagnosed with a concussion must have at least 24 hours of downtime and not return to cricket activities without medical clearance. Smith’s withdrawal from fielding duties during South Africa’s second innings on the fourth day met this requirement while his assessment was ongoing. His pearance at first slip of the first ball on day five confirmed that Australian medical staff were satisfied he had met all the conditions for a return.
Cricket Australia has not provided an official timestamp for the release and this detail remains unclear. What is at stake for Australia on the final day? South Africa set a target of 421 runs after Australia declared a record chase at the venue before tea break on day four.
Heading into the final day, Australia needed six more wickets to claim victory and take a 1-0 lead. The second test is scheduled to begin on Sunday in Gqeberha. Smith’s return to the field means Australia expect him to be available for this game, which could see them seal the series.
