Steve Smith faces concussion scare [Source: AFP]Steve Smith stayed off the field on the evening of Day 4 as Australia looked to defend a 421-run target in the Kingsmead Test against South Africa. The visitors are aiming to take an early advantage in the three-match series after fighting back from an early collapse on Day 1.Having batted in both innings, Smith is currently undergoing concussion tests, with a decision on whether he will take any further part in the match yet to be made.Concussion scare for Steve SmithThe former Aussie captain has a history with concussion. He famously got hit on the neck by Jofra Archer during the 2019 Ashes series and had to be substituted before the second innings.Once again, Smith copped a blow off an express-pace bowler, Anrich Nortje, earlier on Day 4, as Australia looked to set a target for the hosts. On his Test return after 2023, Nortje troubled Smith with a bumper that the 37-year-old looked to duck at the last moment but was hit straight on the head.ALSO READSteve Smith Breaks Into Test Cricket History, Surpasses Joe Root In CatchesAlthough he looked fine to continue for the moment, he did not take the field in the final session of the day. He looked to score briskly and got out to Simon Harmer on 27 off 41 with three fours and a six.According to CODE Sports and Cricinfo, the batter is currently undergoing concussion tests, and Cricket Australia will provide further updates after Stumps Day 4 or ahead of Day 5.Who can be Steve Smith's concussion substitute?As the fourth innings run-chase began after Tea on Day 4, Michael Neser took the field after warming up upon declaration. However, Neser is a frontline bowler and is unlikely to be allowed to be Smith's concussion subititute, as it would not be a like-for-like replacement.Australia could use Cooper Connolly, Sam Harper or Josh Inglis as potential concussion substitutes. The conditions at the venue would be helpful for Connolly's left-arm orthodox bowling, while both Harper and Inglis are wicketkeepers, so they will not be able to contribute with the ball, like Smith occasionally does.Apart from this, Australia would dearly miss Steve Smith's impeccable slip fielding, in case he doesn't field on Day 5.ALSO READWhen Was The Last Time Marnus Labuschagne Scored A Century In Test Cricket?
