Steve Smith scored 27 off 41 after a Nortje bouncer prompted a concussion test. The short‑pitched delivery clipped his helmet, but after a quick check he swapped helmets and kept batting.
The right‑hander faced four more of Nortje’s menacing balls, then was caught at long‑on off Simon Harmer. The catch, a clean slip, sealed his innings.
With Smith sidelined from the field, Michael Neser stepped into the cordon to guard the slots, while the team debated whether a concussion substitute would be needed.
Australia’s injury list is already stretched: Cameron Green missed the opener with an abdominal strain, and Josh Inglis left the game after a finger fracture. Nic Maddinson and Sam Harper filled in, but the side remains wary.
Given Smith has finished batting and is unlikely to bowl, the board expects no concussion replacement during the remainder of the match. The focus now shifts to South Africa’s chase and whether Australia can hold on.
Australia will be ready for the South Africa chase in the afternoon.