Steve Smith cleared of concussion after helmet blow, returns to field

Former Australia captain Steve Smith has been cleared of concussion and resumed fielding duties on the fifth day of the first Test against South Africa at Kingsmead in Durban on Tuesday, after undergoing a series of clinical assessments following a blow to the helmet.

The 37-year-old batter was struck by a short-pitched delivery from Anrich Nortje during Australia's second innings. Smith attempted to duck under the ball but misjudged its trajectory as it failed to rise as much as he expected.

Although he continued batting after the incident, scoring 27 off 41 balls before being caught at long-on off Simon Harmer, Smith did not take the field when South Africa began their second innings on Monday. Michael Neser served as his substitute fielder during that session.

However, Smith returned to the field on Tuesday morning after being cleared under Cricket Australia's concussion protocols. He was stationed in the slip cordon when South Africa resumed their chase and subsequently took a catch to dismiss Kyle Verreynne off Matt Renshaw's bowling.

"Steve Smith has undergone a series of clinical assessments over the past 24 hours in accordance with Cricket Australia’s concussion protocols and has been cleared to take the field this morning," Cricket Australia said in a statement.

The incident brought back memories of Smith's previous concussion scare during the 2019 Ashes in England, when he was struck on the head by fast bowler Jofra Archer and forced to miss part of a Test match. Smith's return to the field came after medical assessments over the preceding 24 hours, with Australia following the prescribed protocols before allowing the experienced batter to resume his duties.

His presence was a boost for Australia as they pushed for victory in the series opener, with South Africa mounting a determined resistance on the final day.

South Africa resumed at 102/4 on Tuesday, needing another 319 runs to win. They reached 166/6 by lunch after Australia struck twice to strengthen their grip on the contest.

Opener Aiden Markram led the home side's resistance, remaining unbeaten on 69 at the interval alongside Marco Jansen on seven. The pair had to rebuild after Wiaan Mulder's patient 69-run fifth-wicket partnership with Markram ended when Josh Hazlewood had Mulder caught behind by Alex Carey.

Part-time spinner Matt Renshaw then dismissed Verreynne, who made just one before edging a reckless shot to Smith at slip. Renshaw has been Australia's standout performer with the bat, having scored 190 in the first innings and 82 in the second, before adding two wickets to his match contribution.

Australia needed four more wickets at lunch to seal victory in the opening Test. The second Test of the series is scheduled to begin in Gqeberha on Sunday.