Steve Smith to miss cricket until December after neck injury diagnosis

Steve Smith has been ruled out of the Cape Town Test after scans confirmed a neck injury, with Australia expecting him to return in December. His absence has forced a reshuffle, but the visitors have responded strongly with the bat.Steve Smith injured his neck while batting against Kagiso Rabada in the second Test. (AP Photo)New Delhi,Oct 29, 2026 12:39 ISTSteve 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 last week. Despite hopes that he would recover in time for the third Test at Newlands, Smith failed a late fitness test on Tuesday morning and was withdrawn from the playing XI.Cricket Australia confirmed the diagnosis on Thursday, stating that an MRI had detected an injury to a cervical facet joint, which helps guide and stabilise movement in the neck."Steve Smith developed neck pain on day four of the second Test in Gqeberha last week. Subsequent MRI imaging confirmed a cervical facet joint injury. Due to this and his limited range of motion he was unfit to participate in the current Test," Cricket Australia said in a statement. "Steve 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, 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 changes yielded dividends on the second day at Newlands on Wednesday, as Australia fought back after losing two quick wickets.Replying to South Africa's first-innings total of 329, Australia reached 330 for four at stumps, taking a slender one-run lead. Renshaw scored 74, while Green made 65 as the pair added 126 runs for the third wicket to steady the innings.Inglis then made an unbeaten 85, with Alex Carey also not out on 51. The pair added an unbroken stand to take Australia past South Africa's total and put the visitors in a strong position in the series decider.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 and rehabilitation in the coming weeks.The four-match series against New Zealand will be an important part of Australia's home summer, with a demanding run of Test cricket to follow. Australia will also be travelling to India in January next year for the much-awaited five-match Test series against Shubman Gill's side.- Ends