Australia's Smith cleared of serious neck injury, set to play in first NZ test
· CNA · JoinRead a summary of this article on FAST.
Get bite-sized news via a new
cards interface. Give it a try.
Click here to return to FAST Tap here to return to FAST
FAST
Oct 29 : Australia expect Steve Smith to be fit for the first home test against New Zealand in Perth in December after scans cleared the veteran batter of serious neck damage.
The 37-year-old was ruled out of the third and deciding test against South Africa in Cape Town after battling a sore neck for a number of days.
Scans confirmed an injury to a cervical facet joint, which helps stabilise movement in the neck.
"Steve will continue to receive treatment and rehabilitation, with a full return to availability anticipated for the upcoming home test series against New Zealand," Cricket Australia said in a statement.
CNA Games
Guess Word
Crack the word, one row at a time
Buzzword
Create words using the given letters
Mini Sudoku
Tiny puzzle, mighty brain teaser
Mini Crossword
Small grid, big challenge
Word Search
Spot as many words as you can
Show More
Show Less
Team staff had hoped he could play at Newlands after batting in the nets on Sunday but ultimately deemed him unfit.
All-rounder Cameron Green returned from injury to bat in Smith's usual number four position in Cape Town.
Australia were 330 for four at the close of the second day in reply to South Africa's first innings 329.
Australia will host New Zealand in four tests, starting with the December 9 opener at Perth Stadium.
Newsletter
Recommended Read
Subscribe to CNA's Recommended Read
A single handpicked story that we think you shouldn't miss. Just one a day.
Sign up for our newsletters
Get our pick of top stories and thought-provoking articles in your inbox
Get the CNA app
Stay updated with notifications for breaking news and our best stories
Get WhatsApp alerts
Join our channel for the top reads for the day on your preferred chat app