The final day of the second Test between South Africa and Australia in Gqeberha is set to be a crucial affair. After being bundled out for a mere 99 runs in their first innings, the touring Australian side faces a serious threat of defeat. However, the team remains hopeful that veteran batter Steve Smith will take the field on Thursday to steady the innings. Smith missed batting in the second innings on Day 4 due to a stiff neck, prompting head coach Andrew McDonald to share a major update regarding his fitness.
During the match at Gqeberha, Australia's first innings came to an abrupt end at just 99 runs. Forced to follow-on, the visitors fought back to reach 156 for four at stumps on the fourth day. Despite the resilience, the team remains in a precarious position and will need to bat for a prolonged period on the final day to stave off defeat.
Kagiso Rabada's Delivery Triggered the Issue
Steve Smith was Australia's top scorer in the first innings with 28 runs. During this knock, he achieved a major milestone by completing 11,000 runs in Test cricket. However, while facing a delivery from Kagiso Rabada, his neck jerked backwards sharply, causing immediate discomfort.
Smith looked visibly uncomfortable towards the end of the first innings. He did not come out to bat during the second innings and was spotted in the dressing room with a cushion wrapped around his neck. This sparked deep concern within the Australian camp, as the team desperately needs his experience to navigate out of troubled waters. Nevertheless, head coach Andrew McDonald clarified that the team expects Smith to be available for batting on Day 5.
Coach Provides Fitness Update
McDonald explained that the team made a conscious decision to let the batters at the crease play until the end of the day's play, giving Smith additional recovery time. He noted that the physiotherapists are working closely with Smith and expressed optimism about his participation the following day.
According to the coach, the neck issue is not severe enough to prevent Smith from batting entirely throughout the innings, although his recovery took longer than expected after the first innings. He also mentioned that even when fully fit, Smith occasionally tweaks his batting stance, but this time his movements were heavily restricted due to injury.
Travis Head and Lower Order Carry Hopes
At the close of play on Day 4, Travis Head was unbeaten on 87 runs, accompanied by nightwatchman Scott Boland, who was on two. Australia will be hoping these two can guide the team to safety at the start of the final day. Smith is likely to walk out to bat once the first wicket falls. Wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey is also yet to bat.
The Australian coach expressed firm belief in the team's ability to fight back. He stated that he has complete trust in the capabilities of the players in the dressing room and the team will try to turn the tide of the match on the final day. McDonald also added that if the team fails to salvage this Test, they will regroup and prepare afresh for the upcoming fixture in Cape Town.
