Anxiety the biggest hurdle after head blow, says Steve Smith

Steve Smith revealed that anxiety was the hardest hurdle following a head blow sustained during Australia's first Test against South Africa in Durban. The 37-year-old batter was struck on the helmet by an Anrich Nortje delivery on day four. Although cleared to bat on and score 27 runs in Australia's 214-run victory, Smith explained that fear of recurring symptoms from past concussions deeply affected him mentally for the rest of that day.

Smith was replaced as a fielder by Michael Neser during the start of South Africa's second innings while undergoing medical monitoring. He was cleared of concussion after passing tests overnight, successfully returning to the field on day five to take a catch.