Steve Smith sidelined until December after cervical facet joint injury

Steve Smith will be unavailable 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 developed neck pain on the fourth day of the second Test in Gqeberha last week, and he failed a late fitness test on Tuesday morning before being withdrawn from the Newlands playing XI. Cricket Australia confirmed an MRI had detected a cervical facet joint injury and said: "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.

Smith’s absence prompted a reshuffle in Australia’s top order, with Cameron Green promoted to No. 4, Josh Inglis recalled to bat at No. 5 and Matthew Renshaw returning to the opening berth alongside Travis Head.

The changes paid immediate 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 to take a one-run lead.

Renshaw made 74 and Green 65, their 126-run partnership for the third wicket stabilising the innings, while Inglis remained unbeaten on 85 and Alex Carey was not out on 51 as 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, and 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.

"Steve will continue to receive treatment and rehabilitation, with a full return to availability anticipated for the upcoming home Test series against New Zealand." Australia will also be travelling to India in January next year for the much-awaited five-match Test series against Shubman Gill's side.