Steve Smith injury update: Will he bat on final day of 2nd Test vs South Africa?

Steve Smith injury update: Will he bat on final day of 2nd Test vs South Africa?

Steve Smith Injury Update: Australia Hopeful Ahead of Gqeberha Test Finale

Australia coach Andrew McDonald expects Steve Smith to be available if required on the fifth and final day of the second Test against South Africa in Gqeberha, despite the batter missing the closing session with neck stiffness. Smith’s condition became a major talking point as Australia faced the prospect of a difficult fight to save the match after a dramatic batting collapse.

The 37-year-old was Australia’s leading scorer in their first innings, making 28, but appeared increasingly uncomfortable after a delivery from South Africa fast bowler Kagiso Rabada jolted his neck backwards. Smith received attention from the team’s medical staff on the field before he was dismissed by Wiaan Mulder. He later remained in the dressing room rather than returning to bat during Australia’s second innings.

Neck Stiffness Limits Smith’s Movement

Smith’s discomfort was visible during his first-innings stay. After the incident involving Rabada, he struggled to move freely and looked unsettled against the pace bowler’s next over, playing and missing at four consecutive deliveries. He also adopted a more front-on stance at times, an adjustment that appeared to reflect his restricted movement.

After his dismissal, Smith was seen in the dressing room with a cushion supporting his neck to limit movement. The issue is understood to be an ongoing concern, although Australia have not indicated that it will rule him out of the final day.

McDonald said the team chose not to send Smith back into the middle late on day four, preferring to give him additional time to recover. The coach’s prediction is that Smith will be able to bat if the situation demands it, though his comfort and mobility will likely be assessed before play resumes.

“We felt it was best to hopefully get the batting unit through to tomorrow and then hopefully he’s better placed,” McDonald said. He added that the physiotherapist had been working with Smith and that the problem was not expected to prevent him from taking part in the innings.

McDonald also noted that Smith sometimes changes his technique even when fully fit, making it difficult to judge his condition from his stance alone. On this occasion, however, the batter had been limited in what he could do. Whether Smith can contribute effectively could prove important if Australia’s remaining batters are forced to spend long hours at the crease.

Australia Face a Steep Challenge to Save the Test

Smith’s fitness is only one part of Australia’s challenge. The visitors were dismissed for just 99 in their first innings after South Africa declared at 425 for nine, handing the hosts a commanding lead of 326 runs. It was Australia’s poorest first-innings total since their 2016 Test against South Africa in Hobart.

South Africa enforced the follow-on, putting Australia back in to bat immediately. It was only the third time since the 1980s that the Australian team had been made to follow on in a Test match, underscoring the scale of the hosts’ advantage.

Australia ended day four at 156 for four, still 170 runs behind. Their second innings has shown some resistance, but the visitors need to erase the deficit before they can begin to think about setting a target or securing a draw. With one day remaining, time and wickets are both critical.

Travis Head Leads Australia’s Resistance

Travis Head provided the innings’ strongest response, reaching stumps unbeaten on 87. His attacking approach helped Australia regain some momentum after early losses, and his presence at the crease gives the visitors a chance to extend the contest into the final day.

Nightwatchman Scott Boland was not out on two at the close. Australia’s other second-innings contributions included 39 from Marnus Labuschagne, who fell while attempting an attacking shot against Simon Harmer, and 11 from Matt Renshaw. Beau Webster made eight, while Nic Maddinson was dismissed for eight by Rabada after recording a duck in the first innings.

South Africa will begin day five looking to break through quickly and expose Australia’s lower order. Rabada has already played a significant role, taking key wickets and contributing to the pressure that has followed the visitors throughout the match. Harmer’s ability to exploit the pitch could also become increasingly important as the game progresses.

McDonald Backs Australia to Respond

Despite the difficult position, McDonald said he had confidence in the players’ ability to fight back. Australia’s immediate priority is to bat with discipline, protect the remaining wickets and make South Africa work for every breakthrough. If Smith is needed, his experience could add valuable stability—but his health will remain central to the team’s decision-making.

McDonald said the squad still believed it could change the course of the match, while acknowledging that a recovery was far from guaranteed. If Australia cannot turn the contest around in Gqeberha, he expects the team to regroup for the third and final Test in Cape Town.

“I have great belief and trust in the skill sets in that room,” McDonald said, adding that the group had previously shown an ability to respond after major setbacks. He described the current situation as a significant challenge but stressed that the team would continue to compete.

What to Watch on the Final Day

The key questions for day five are whether Head can convert his overnight score into a substantial innings, how quickly South Africa can take the remaining Australian wickets, and whether Smith is fit enough to bat if called upon. Australia must first overcome the 170-run deficit, then survive long enough to deny South Africa the time and opportunity to force a result.

For South Africa, an early breakthrough could bring the lower order into play and strengthen their chances of victory. For Australia, patience and partnerships are essential. Smith’s neck issue adds uncertainty, but McDonald’s update offers some reassurance: Australia expect their senior batter to be available if needed as the visitors attempt to withstand a demanding final day in Gqeberha.

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