![Steve Smith injured [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1792642411179_SteveSmithinjured.jpg?type=hq)
Steve Smith injured [Source: AFP]
Australia have received an encouraging update on Steve Smith after the veteran batter struggled with a neck injury during the second Test against South Africa in Gqeberha.
With the visitors facing a difficult task to stay alive in the contest, Smith's fitness has become a massive deal-breaker now. The Australian vice-captain endured a frustrating day at the crease, and his absence from his usual batting position in the second innings raised fresh concerns about his condition.
Australia expect Steve Smith to bat despite neck stiffness
Australia are hopeful that Steve Smith will return to the crease on Day 5 as they attempt to rescue the second Test against South Africa. The right-handed batter experienced considerable discomfort on Day 4, with his neck stiffness affecting his movement and shot-making during Australia's first innings.
Australia's coach Andrew McDonald has nevertheless indicated that Steve Smith is expected to bat again, although the team wanted to give him additional time to recover.
"We felt it was best to hopefully get the batting unit through to tomorrow and then hopefully he's better placed. We've seen the physio working on him, so he'll bat tomorrow," McDonald said.
"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. Sometimes he changes his technique when he's fully fit too, but he was limited in what he could do," Andrew added.
Steve Smith’s concussion hinders Australia’s chances against the Proteas
The visitors had already found themselves in serious trouble after South Africa declared their first innings at 425/9. Australia were subsequently dismissed for just 99 runs, leaving them with a substantial deficit and forcing them to follow on.
Smith had initially looked comfortable at the crease, but his condition appeared to worsen after he edged a delivery from Kagiso Rabada and moved his head awkwardly.
Following medical attention, the experienced batter struggled to move freely and appeared uncomfortable while facing the South African bowlers.
His movements became increasingly restricted, and he mistimed or missed several deliveries from Rabada's subsequent over. Smith also appeared to alter his batting stance, occasionally positioning himself more front-on than usual. He required medication twice during his innings before Wiaan Mulder eventually dismissed him for 28.
