Smith ruled out of South Africa Test with neck joint damage
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 28 Oct, 16:14 · Archive
Steve Smith has been ruled out of Australia's third Test in South Africa after scans confirmed damage to a cervical facet joint in his neck.
Australia expect Steve Smith to recover for the home Test series against New Zealand after scans confirmed a cervical facet joint injury to his neck in South Africa. The vice-captain was ruled unfit to play in the third and deciding Test due to limited range of motion. Cricket Australia said Smith would continue to receive treatment and rehabilitation, with a full return anticipated for the upcoming home Test series.
Smith has six weeks to recover before the first Test against New Zealand, which begins a run of 10 Tests in 14 weeks through to mid-March. Australia had been hoping to have him available for the return to Cape Town, and coaching staff were extremely confident he would be fit after arriving in South Africa.
The 37-year-old batted in the nets for around 35 minutes on Sunday, two days before the third Test, before sitting down and stretching his neck. He grew increasingly frustrated and walked out of the nets, then attempted to bat again on Tuesday morning just 90 minutes before the match before determining he was unable to get his neck right.
How it is being reported
- Smith's neck damage confirmed ahead of big run of TestsScans have detected the exact nature of Steve Smith's neck injury, with medical staff now eying off a rehabilitation process ahead of the home summer.The West Australian · 28 Oct, 15:35
- Smith's neck damage confirmed ahead of big run of TestsScans have detected the exact nature of Steve Smith's neck injury, with medical staff now eying off a rehabilitation process ahead of the home summer.Perth Now · 28 Oct, 15:35
In this story: Steve Smith · Australia · New Zealand · South Africa · Cape Town · Cricket Australia
This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log
Comments (0)