Industry Odisha Bureau, Oct 29: Australia batter Steve Smith will remain unavailable for selection until the home Test series against New Zealand in December. This comes after medical tests confirmed a cervical facet joint injury. The 37-year-old has been ruled out of the ongoing third Test against South Africa in Cape Town.
Smith experienced neck pain on the fourth day of the second Test in Qqeberha last week. Although Australia hoped he would recover in time for the series decider at Newlands, he failed a fitness test on Tuesday and was withdrawn from the playing XI.
Cricket Australia confirmed on Thursday that an MRI scan had detected the injury. which affects a joint that helps guide and stabilise neck movement. Smith will undergo treatment and rehabilitation, with his return expected for the New Zealand series.
His absence forced Australia to reshuffle their batting order. Cameron Green moved to No. 4, Josh Inglis returned at No. 5, and Matthew Renshaw opened alongside Travis Head.
The changes helped Australia recover against South Africa. Chasing the hosts’ first-innings total of 329, Australia reached 330 for four at stumps on the second day. With this, they took a one-run lead. Renshaw scored 74 and Green made 65, sharing a 126-run partnership. Inglis remained unbeaten on 85, while Alex Carey was not out on 51.
Australia are targeting Smith’s return for the first Test against New Zealand in Perth, beginning December 9. The four-match series will be followed by Australia’s five-Test tour of India in January, adding to the importance of Smith’s recovery ahead of a demanding schedule.
