Steve Smith cleared to return for New Zealand Test series

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 29 Oct, 10:20 · Archive

Steve Smith has been cleared of serious neck damage and is expected to be fit for Australia's first Test against New Zealand in December.

Steve Smith has been cleared of serious neck damage following scans that revealed a cervical facet joint injury, which helps stabilise movement in the neck. The 37-year-old Australian batsman was forced to miss the decisive third Test against South Africa in Cape Town after struggling with a sore neck over several days. Smith had been dealing with the issue since the second Test in Gqeberha but was ruled out of the team on the morning of the third Test after appearing in discomfort in the nets and batting with his neck heavily bandaged.

Cricket Australia confirmed that Smith 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 host New Zealand across four Tests, with the first match beginning on 9 December in Perth. All-rounder Cameron Green returned from injury to fill Smith's usual number four spot in the South Africa Test.

How it is being reported

• Steve Smith cleared of serious neck injury in huge relief for AustraliaSmith was ruled out of Australia’s decisive Test with South Africa due to the neck issueIndependent Sport · 29 Oct, 09:56
• Scans reveal extent of Steve Smith's neck injury ahead of Test summerThe Australian team says Steve Smith is expected to return for the New Zealand Test series, kicking off a run of 10 Tests in three months.ABC News Australia · 28 Oct, 22:53

In this story: Steve Smith · Australia · New Zealand · South Africa · Perth · Cape Town · Gqeberha · Cameron Green

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