Smith top-scored with 28 in Australia’s first innings but struggled after a delivery from Kagiso Rabada caused his neck to jolt backwards. He received medical treatment on the field before Wiaan Mulder dismissed him, and he remained in the dressing room during Australia’s second innings.
Smith's movement became restricted, and he struggled against Rabada’s next over, playing and missing at four consecutive deliveries while adopting unusual positions at the crease. He also began facing some deliveries with a more front-on stance before Wiaan Mulder bowled him.
Andrew McDonald Confident Steve Smith Will Bat On Day 5
Australia head coach Andrew McDonald expects Steve Smith to bat if needed on the final day. He said that the team decided to give the batter more time to recover rather than send him back to the crease late on day four.
"We've seen the physio working on him, so he'll bat tomorrow. It's not something that will rule him out of the innings, but it was just a little bit more time than we expected on the back of the first innings."
Australia Fight To Save Test After Batting Collapse
Australia were bowled out for 99 in their first innings after South Africa declared at 425/9, giving the hosts a 326-run lead. The collapse was their worst first-innings batting performance since their 2016 Test against South Africa in Hobart.
Nic Maddinson fell to Rabada for eight after scoring a duck in the first innings. Marnus Labuschagne made 39 before losing his wicket while attempting an attacking shot against Simon Harmer. Matt Renshaw scored 11, while Beau Webster managed only eight.
Andrew McDonald remains confident that Australia can respond to the setback, whether in Gqeberha or in the third and final Test in Cape Town.
"If that doesn't unfold, we'll go to Cape Town and we'll reload. We'll go again. A great strength of this group is on significant setbacks - and I'll say this is a significant setback - we've been able to respond."
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