Smith responds sharply after high blow | 00:35
Courtney Walsh from Fox SportsOctober 12th, 2026 11:47 pm
The health of Steve Smith is being monitored after he was struck in the head with a venomous delivery by <a href="https://cricket.international/steve-smith-breaks-joe-roots-world-record-for-most-test-catches-with-blinders-vs-south-africa/" title="Steve Smith breaks Joe Root’s world record for most Test catches with blinders vs South Africa“>South African speedster Anrich Nortje in Durban on Monday.
The champion was rattled after a rising delivery from Nortje, who has bowled at 150km/h, reared off a reasonable length and smashed into the back of his helmet early in the Australian’s innings.
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The 37-year-old made his way to the non-strikers end after the stinging delivery but was immediately assessed on the field as part of regular protocols before being cleared to continue on.
He reached 27 from 41 deliveries, which included a fine six, before holing out when trying to knock off-spinner Simon Harper over the fence in pursuit of quick runs as Australia reached 6-314 from just 58 overs before declaring.
Concerns about whether Smith would return to the field were raised when Michael Neser was spotted warming up during the tea break and after he was absent from the slips cordon, Cricket Australia said he was being monitored.
HOW HAS HE CAUGHT THAT?! | 00:55
Source: www.foxsports.com.au
