Star Australian Steve Smith appears to have been cleared of concussion after joining his teammates in the field on day five in Durban.
Smith didn’t take the field to start the fourth innings of the match after having been struck in the helmet by an Anrich Nortje bouncer in the morning session of day four.
Nortje had been clocking bowling speeds of 150.1km/h throughout the day.
The veteran appeared well while he was assessed straight after being struck and played out the rest of the innings before being caught on 27.
But after Australia set South Africa a record chase of 421 with a declaration before the Tea break, Michael Neser took to the field in Smith’s place as a substitute fielder.
Smith was put through concussion protocols and further assessments overnight.
The first signs that he would be good to return came in the warm-ups at Kingsmead as Smith took slip catches.
He then stood at first slip as the first ball of the day was delivered by Matthew Renshaw.
It’s a major boost for the tourists for the rest of the series.
Had Smith suffered a concussion, he would have missed the next Test match with a concussion diagnosis, bringing a mandatory 10-day break from play.
The second Test against the Proteas begins in Gqeberha on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Australia are chasing six wickets on the final day to ensure they head to the Second Test with a 1-0 series lead.
Opener Aiden Markram stands in their way, while bad light could also cut the day short if they don’t make early inroads.
They will get a second new ball if it’s required.
