Australia fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has confirmed Steve Smith will bat on Day 5 of the second Test against South Africa despite neck discomfort. Australia face a challenging fight to save the match after a dramatic first-innings collapse.
Australia fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has provided a positive update on Steve Smith’s neck discomfort, confirming that the experienced batter would be available to bat on the fifth day of the second Test against South Africa at St George’s Park.
Smith experienced significant neck discomfort during Australia’s first innings on Day 4, when the visitors suffered a dramatic batting collapse and were dismissed for just 99 runs in response to South Africa’s first-innings total of 425. The hosts subsequently enforced the follow-on, leaving Australia under considerable pressure to save the match.
Smith managed 28 runs in the first innings despite struggling with his neck. His discomfort became increasingly noticeable during his stay at the crease, and he received medical attention before being dismissed. He did not return to bat during Australia’s second innings on Day 4, prompting concerns about his availability for the final day’s play.
Matt Renshaw was promoted to Smith’s usual No. 4 position in the second innings, while Beau Webster moved up the batting order. Scott Boland subsequently came in as a nightwatchman towards the end of the day’s play.
Australia finished Day 4 at 156 for four, still trailing South Africa by 170 runs and needing a determined batting effort to avoid defeat. Travis Head remained a key figure in the visitors’ resistance as the team prepared for the decisive final day.
Speaking ahead of the rain-delayed start on Day 5, Hazlewood said Smith’s condition appeared to have improved and expressed confidence that the veteran batter would return to the crease if required.
“Yeah, I think it was just a sore neck, really. It wasn’t like from an incident or anything? I don’t think so. I think it’s probably just from time in the middle and fielding in the slips, batting, training, all that sort of thing,” Hazlewood said.
The Australian fast bowler suggested that the demands of international cricket, including frequent travel and changes in sleeping arrangements, could have contributed to the problem.
“Different beds and different pillows every second night on tour doesn’t help,” he added, explaining that he was also accustomed to experiencing neck soreness from time to time.
Hazlewood acknowledged that neck discomfort could be particularly frustrating for a batter because it can restrict movement and make playing shots more difficult.
“I think particularly when you’re batting, it can be quite frustrating or quite debilitating. So he looks better today, I think. He’ll obviously bat at some stage. And, yeah, he’s the best in the world,” Hazlewood said.
However, Hazlewood did not confirm whether Smith would be the next batter to enter the field when Australia lost another wicket. He indicated that the decision would depend on the match situation and Smith’s readiness.
“Too hard to tell. I think if it’s not next it’s the one after, I think. So, yeah, we’ll see him,” the Australian pacer added.
Smith’s potential return was an important consideration for Australia as they attempted to withstand South Africa’s bowling attack and extend their second innings. His experience and ability to handle pressure were particularly valuable in a situation where the visitors needed to bat for an extended period.
South Africa had established a substantial advantage after dismissing Australia for 99 in the first innings, with their bowlers exploiting the conditions to put the visitors on the back foot. Australia’s second-innings resistance was therefore crucial to their hopes of avoiding defeat and maintaining their position in the three-match Test series.
The neck issue had also interrupted what was otherwise a significant personal milestone for Smith. During his first-innings knock of 28, he became the third Australian batter, after Ricky Ponting and Allan Border, to reach 11,000 runs in Test cricket.
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Although Hazlewood’s update offered encouragement to the Australian camp, Smith’s eventual contribution remained dependent on the match situation and his ability to bat comfortably.
With the final day approaching amid a rain-delayed start, Australia faced a demanding challenge against South Africa. The visitors needed resilience from their remaining batters, while Smith’s expected availability offered another potential source of experience as they fought to keep the Test alive.
