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‘Steve Smith will bat on Day 5’ – Andrew McDonald backs Australian legend to recover in time in Gqeberha Test

Australia's head coach Andrew McDonald expressed confidence that Steve Smith will recover from his neck injury in time to bat on the final day of the second Test against South Africa.

By Adreej Kumar Mitra · CricTracker

Published: Thursday, 22 October 2026 at 5:51 AM

Key Things to Know

Australia head coach Andrew McDonald confirmed Steve Smith will bat on Day 5 despite a sore neck.
Smith suffered the neck injury facing Kagiso Rabada in the first innings, where he surpassed 11,000 Test runs.
Australia followed on and finished Day 4 at 156 for 4, trailing South Africa by 170 runs.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Australia head coach Andrew McDonald confirmed that veteran batter Steve Smith will bat on Day 5 of the second Test against South Africa despite dealing with a neck injury. Smith suffered the issue during the first innings in Gqeberha after facing a delivery from Kagiso Rabada, though he still top-scored with 28 and passed 11,000 career Test runs. He was held back from the top of the order during Australia's follow-on innings.

Australia closed Day 4 at 156 for 4, remaining 170 runs behind after following on from their first-innings total of 99 against South Africa's 425 for 9 declared. McDonald noted that delaying Smith's entry gives him more time to recover, as Australia looks to unbeaten batter Travis Head, who reached 87, and nightwatchman Scott Boland to help save the match.

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