- Steve Smith has been spared from a serious neck injury and should be fit for the New Zealand Tests. The 37-year-old Australian batsman suffered a neck injury during the South African series and ruled out of the crucial third Test in Ce Town.
- Steve Smith (Photo by Graham Denholm – CA/Cricket Australia via ) Australia’s Steve Smith will not be considered for selection ahead of the home Test series against New Zealand in December after scans confirmed a cervical joint injury in his neck.
- The 37-year-old has been ruled out of the ongoing third Test against South Africa in Ce Town after suffering neck pain on the fourth day of the second Test in Gqeberha.
Steve Smith has been spared from a serious neck injury and should be fit for the New Zealand Tests. The 37-year-old Australian batsman suffered a neck injury during the South African series and ruled out of the crucial third Test in Ce Town.
Steve Smith (Photo by Graham Denholm – CA/Cricket Australia via ) Australia’s Steve Smith will not be considered for selection ahead of the home Test series against New Zealand in December after scans confirmed a cervical joint injury in his neck. The 37-year-old has been ruled out of the ongoing third Test against South Africa in Ce Town after suffering neck pain on the fourth day of the second Test in Gqeberha. Smith has been dealing with the problem since the second Test in Gqeberha but has continued to suffer discomfort in the days since.
MRI imaging confirmed that Smith had suffered an injury to his neck joint. The neck facet joint helps stabilize neck movements. Due to this injury and his limited range of motion, he was deemed unfit to take part in the third Test.
Cricket Australia (CA) recently mentioned that Smith will continue to receive treatment and rehabilitation, with a full return to availability planned for the upcoming home Test series against New Zealand. The statement said that the 37-year-old would not be available for selection until the next home series. “Steve continues to undergo treatment and rehabilitation. A full return to availability is planned for the upcoming home Test series against New Zealand,” Cricket Australia said recently.
When will Smith be active again? All-rounder Cameron Green returned from injury to take Smith’s usual fourth place in the important Ce Town Test. In the crucial third Test, South Africa scored 329 runs in the first innings.
Green, who plays as a batting specialist, scored 65 off 110 balls. Australia will host New Zealand in four Tests, starting on December 9 in Perth. The second, third and fourth Test matches will be played in Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney respectively.
Before this encounter, the Australians will play three ODIs and five T20Is at home against Ashes rivals England. Smith’s expected return for this series represents a significant boost for the Australian batting line-up as they prepare for the home campaign against the Kiwis.
