Steve Smith clears concussion protocols, returns for Day 5 of Durban Test
Synopsis
Steve Smith's overnight concussion scare ended in relief for Australia — the veteran batter cleared all protocols, returned to his slip cordon role on Day 5, and avoided the 10-day mandatory stand-down that a formal diagnosis would have triggered. With South Africa at 102/4 chasing 421, Australia are one session away from a series lead.
Key Takeaways
Steve Smith returned to the field on Day 5 of the Durban Test after clearing overnight concussion protocols.
Smith was struck on the head by Anrich Nortje during Australia's second innings on Day 4 and was dismissed for 27 .
He resumed his position in the slip cordon, where he had taken four catches in the first innings.
Mitchell Starc confirmed Smith 'looks like he's got the life back in him' ahead of Day 5.
South Africa began Day 5 at 102 for 4 , needing 319 more runs to win; Australia needed 6 wickets .
A confirmed concussion diagnosis would have imposed a 10-day ban , potentially sidelining Smith for the second Test as well.
Steve Smith returned to the field on Day 5 of the first Test between Australia and South Africa at Kingsmead, Durban on 13 October, appearing to have cleared concussion protocols after a scare the previous day. The veteran batter's availability is a significant boost for Australia as they hunt a win in the series opener.
How the Concussion Scare Unfolded
Smith took a blow to the head while facing pace bowler Anrich Nortje during Australia's second innings on Day 4. He was assessed for concussion shortly after the incident but continued batting, eventually being dismissed for 27. However, Smith did not take the field during the evening session and was put through overnight concussion protocols and further assessments by the team medical staff.
Smith Back in the Slip Cordon
Ahead of the fifth day's play, Smith completed his fielding drills and resumed his customary position in the slip cordon — the same station from which he had been exceptional in the first innings, taking four catches, including two remarkable takes off reverse sweeps. His return to that specialist position signals the medical team's confidence in his fitness.
What Starc Said Before Play
Australia speedster Mitchell Starc offered a first-hand account of Smith's condition before the start of Day 5. 'He was obviously a little bit rattled. Well, not rattled; he obviously got the concussion yesterday. This morning it looks like he's got the life back in him, so good signs. I'm not sure what the plan is for him today, but no, he's got a smiling face,' Starc said.
Stakes for This Test and the Next
At the start of Day 5, South Africa were placed at 102 for 4, needing a further 319 runs for an unlikely victory while Australia required six more wickets. Beyond the immediate match, Smith's clearance carries added significance: a confirmed concussion diagnosis would have mandated a 10-day break from play under cricket's protocols, potentially ruling him out of the second Test as well. His return, therefore, is a double relief for the touring side.
Australia's Position Heading into the Final Session
Australia made decisive inroads in the third session of Day 4 to put themselves firmly in the driver's seat. With Smith back patrolling the slips and the lower half of South Africa's batting order still to come, the visitors head into the day's play as strong favourites to seal the opening Test.
Point of View
Skip a session, and be back the next morning without a formal diagnosis. Smith's case ended well, but it highlights how the 10-day mandatory stand-down rule, designed to protect players, can also create pressure — however unintended — to avoid a formal diagnosis. That tension is worth scrutinising as the sport continues to refine its duty-of-care protocols.
NationPress
13 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Steve Smith a concussion concern during the Durban Test?
Smith took a blow to the head from Anrich Nortje during Australia's second innings on Day 4 at Kingsmead and was immediately assessed for concussion. He batted on and was dismissed for 27, but did not field in the evening session and went through concussion protocols overnight.
Did Steve Smith play on Day 5 of the Durban Test?
Yes, Smith was cleared of concussion and returned to the field for Day 5, completing his fielding drills and resuming his position in the slip cordon before play began.
What would have happened if Smith was formally diagnosed with concussion?
Under cricket's concussion protocols, a formal diagnosis mandates a 10-day break from play. That would have ruled Smith out of not just the remainder of the Durban Test but the second Test against South Africa as well.
What was the match situation at the start of Day 5 in Durban?
South Africa were 102 for 4 at the start of Day 5, needing 319 more runs for an unlikely win. Australia required six more wickets to claim victory in the first Test.
How had Steve Smith performed in the slip cordon before his injury?
Smith had an outstanding first innings in the slip cordon, taking four catches including two exceptional takes off reverse sweeps. His return to that specialist position on Day 5 was seen as a strong indicator of his fitness.
