Smith expects to bat as Australia fight to save Test
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 21 Oct, 20:02 · Archive
Steve Smith is expected to bat on the final day despite neck stiffness that hampered him in Australia's first innings collapse to 99.
Steve Smith is expected to bat on Australia's final day trying to save the second Test against South Africa in Gqeberha, despite neck stiffness that hampered his first-innings performance. Australia slumped to 99 all out in reply to South Africa's 9-425 declared, and were asked to follow on. At stumps on day four, Australia had reached 4-156 in their second innings.
Smith had looked in good form through the first 55 balls of his first innings before requiring medical attention after an edge off Kagiso Rabada. His form deteriorated markedly after the treatment, and he was bowled by Wiaan Mulder for 28. When Australia batted again, Smith did not come out at number four, instead sitting with a cushion around his neck to limit its movement, an ongoing issue for the batsman.
Australia's coach Andrew McDonald said the team was hopeful Smith would recover sufficiently overnight. 'We felt it was best to hopefully get the batting unit through to tomorrow and then hopefully he's better placed,' McDonald said. '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.'
How it is being reported
- Smith available to help lead Australia's day-five fightSteve Smith struggled with a stiff neck when batting in the first innings of the Gqeberha Test, but Australia are confident he'll be better second time around.Perth Now · 21 Oct, 19:28
- Smith available to help lead Australia's day-five fightSteve Smith struggled with a stiff neck when batting in the first innings of the Gqeberha Test, but Australia are confident he'll be better second time around.The West Australian · 21 Oct, 19:28
In this story: Steve Smith · Andrew McDonald · Australia · South Africa · Gqeberha · Kagiso Rabada · Wiaan Mulder
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