Steve Smith ruled out until December with cervical neck injury

Injury Status and Rehabilitation

Cricket Australia has announced that star batter Steve Smith will be sidelined until the home Test series against New Zealand in December. The 37-year-old was forced to withdraw from the ongoing third Test against South Africa in Cape Town after experiencing persistent neck pain.

According to an official statement, Smith felt discomfort on the fourth day of the second Test in Gqeberha last week. Follow-up MRI scans subsequently confirmed a cervical facet joint injury. The medical team has advised a period of rehabilitation due to his limited range of motion, with the board confirming he is expected to return for the December campaign.

Impact on the Cape Town Test

In Smith's absence, Josh Inglis was drafted into the playing XI for the Cape Town match. Inglis made a significant contribution, finishing the day unbeaten on 85. Australia reached 330/4 by the close of play, establishing a narrow one-run lead over South Africa’s first-innings total of 329.

Key performances for Australia included:

• Josh Inglis: 85* (not out)
• Matt Renshaw: 74
• Cameron Green: 65
• Alex Carey: 51* (not out)

South Africa's first innings saw notable scores from Marques Ackermann (95), Aiden Markram (78), and Marco Jansen (52), while Mitchell Starc led the Australian bowling attack with figures of 6/72.

Verification

Updates regarding Steve Smith’s health and the ongoing Test series can be verified through official Cricket Australia communications or the official match scorecards provided by international cricket governing bodies.