New Delhi: Steve Smith will not be available for selection until Australia's home Test series against New Zealand in December after scans confirmed a cervical facet joint injury, ruling him out of the ongoing series decider against South Africa in Cape Town. The 37-year-old experienced neck pain on the fourth day of the second Test in Gqeberha while batting against Kagiso Rabada.
Despite initial hopes that he would recover in time for the third Test at Newlands, Smith failed a late fitness test and was withdrawn from the playing XI. Cricket Australia later confirmed the diagnosis, explaining that an MRI had detected an injury to a cervical facet joint, which helps guide and stabilise movement in the neck.
Cricket Australia stated that due to the injury and his limited range of motion, Smith was unfit to participate in the current Test. The organization noted that he will continue to receive treatment and rehabilitation, with a full return to availability anticipated for the upcoming home Test series against New Zealand.
Smith's absence forced Australia to reshuffle their batting order for the series decider. Cameron Green moved up to No. 4 to take Smith's usual position, while Josh Inglis was recalled to bat at No. 5. Matthew Renshaw returned to the opening position alongside Travis Head.
The lineup changes yielded positive results during the match in Cape Town as Australia responded strongly with the bat in reply to South Africa's first-innings total. Renshaw and Green steadied the innings with a productive partnership, while Inglis and Alex Carey later combined to put the visitors ahead.
Australia are now targeting Smith's return for the first Test against New Zealand, which begins in Perth on December 9. The veteran batter will continue his recovery in the coming weeks ahead of a demanding schedule that also features a tour of India in January.