On the fifth day of the first Test match between Australia and South Africa at Kingsmead, Durban, Steve Smith returned to fielding duties after being cleared of a concussion. On October 13, 2026, he took catches during the warm-up before play started, so he was in the slip cordon from the first delivery of the day.
Steve Smith returned to fielding duties after being cleared of a concussion
In the 24 hours following day four, a second concussion assessment was carried out before the clearance. During Australia’s second innings, Steve Smith was hit on the helmet by a bouncer from Anrich Nortje on the fifth ball of the thirteenth over. Nortje bowled at 150.1 km/h the entire day, according to Cricket Australia.
Following the incident, Steve Smith was evaluated on the field and allowed to continue batting. Simon Harmer caught him at long-on after he made 27 off 41 balls. Later that day, when South Africa batted in their second innings, Smith was not on the field; instead, Michael Neser filled in as a substitute fielder.
According to Cricket Australia’s concussion and head trauma policy, any player diagnosed with a concussion is required to observe a minimum 24-hour stand-down period and cannot resume cricket-related activities without a medical officer’s approval. While his evaluation was ongoing, Steve Smith complied with that requirement by withdrawing from fielding duties during South Africa’s second innings on day four.
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The Australian medical staff was satisfied that he had fulfilled all requirements for his return based on his appearance at the first slip from ball one on day five. Cricket Australia did not provide an official timestamp for the clearance, and the issue is still unresolved.
After Australia declared before the tea break on day four, South Africa was given a target of 421 runs—a record chase at this location. Australia needed six more wickets to win and take a 1-0 series lead going into the last day.
The second Test is set to start on Sunday in Gqeberha. Australia anticipates having Smith available for that game due to his return to the field, which could allow them to win the series.
