Aussies wait on Steve Smith after Nortje helmet blow

Australia are hopeful that veteran batter Steve Smith will be passed fit to return to action on the fifth and final day of the first ICC World Test Championship contest against South Africa in Durban.

Smith was hit on the helmet by an Anrich Nortje delivery when batting in Australia's second innings on Monday and did not take the field when the Proteas took to the crease later in the day as he continued to be monitored by medical staff.

It remains to be seen whether Smith will available to field on the fifth day of the Test on Tuesday or whether he will be fit for the remainder of the series in South Africa, with Cricket Australia's concussion policy stating that a player must be met with a minimum 24-hour stand down after a concussion diagnosis.

Smith has suffered from concussion and vertigo symptoms in the past, with the right-hander famously stood down from an Ashes Test in 2019 courtesy of a Jofra Archer bouncer when Marnus Labuschagne was parachuted into the Test side as his replacement.

Beau Webster failed to share much further information on Smith's fitness at stumps on day four, but the Australian all-rounder is hopeful that the star batter can take the field on Tuesday as the Aussies chase six more South Africa wickets and what would be a memorable Test triumph away from home.

“I hope he’s OK,” Webster said of Smith. 

“He obviously copped a nasty knock in the head there...wishing him all the best. 

"Hopefully, you know, he’s back out with this either tomorrow or in the next Test in PE (Gqeberha)."

Webster may get the chance to play a part in the victory on Tuesday, with the right-armer having collected a wicket during South Africa's first innings of the match with his more than handy medium pace and also more than capable of chipping in with some off-spin to help support regular tweaker Nathan Lyon.

Webster also scored an unbeaten 39* during Australia's second innings to help deliver an early declaration for his side as the 32-year-old continues to play a vital role for the Aussies in their push for a second World Test Championship mace.

The impending return of fellow all-rounder Cameron Green from injury may leave Webster out of the first-choice XI, but the experienced all-rounder is purely focused on helping his side collect as Test victory in Durban.

“There’s obviously going to be some conjecture going into every Test on what the lineup is,” Webster said. 

“I try to stay away from that unless the phone rings with (chief selector George Bailey’s) name on it. It’s probably not a good sign (if it rings), and it didn’t. I’ve got a start in this Test and looking to contribute anywhere I can.”

While the odds seem heavily stacked against South Africa in the first Test - they would need to surpass the highest fourth innings run chase in Test history from the West Indies against Australia in 2003 - experienced spinner Keshav Maharaj is not giving up hope.

"We are professional enough to bounce back and we have still got an opportunity come tomorrow, hopefully put our best foot forward and get into a position where we can draw this Test match," Maharaj said.

"I have seen scores chased at Kingsmead as far fetched as it sounds, (with experience of) playing domestic cricket here."

Series schedule

First Test - October 9-13, Durban

Second Test - October 18-22, Gqeberha

Third Test - October 27-31, Cape Town