Steve Smith ruled out of Cape Town Test with neck injury
Steve Smith sustained a cervical facet joint injury and was ruled out of the Cape Town Test. He is expected to return for Australia's home series against New Zealand.
Steve Smith was ruled out of the third Test against South Africa with a cervical facet joint injury in his neck. Scans confirmed the injury after Smith failed to recover in time for the Cape Town match.
Smith batted in the nets for about 35 minutes two days before the Test but was unable to continue. He also attempted to bat on the morning of the match but could not get his neck right. Australia expect Smith to be available for the home Test series against New Zealand.
Pat Cummins said Smith is one of the greatest batters Australia has had. The injury means Smith is likely never to play another Test at Newlands.
CricHubb Take
Missing Newlands removes one of Smith's favourite grounds from his final years. With only six weeks before the New Zealand series, the medical team will balance recovery speed against the risk of a recurrence that could threaten the entire home summer.