Steve Smith’s neck injury has been confirmed as a cervical facet joint problem, with Cricket Australia expecting the star batter back for the home Test series against New Zealand in December.
The 37-year-old was a late withdrawal from the third and deciding Test against South Africa in Cape Town, and Cricket Australia has now revealed the scan results in a statement, reported by the ICC and AAP via 7NEWS.
“Steve Smith developed neck pain on day four of the second Test in Gqeberha last week,” Cricket Australia said.
“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,” the statement said.
“Steve will continue to receive treatment and rehabilitation, with a full return to availability anticipated for the upcoming home Test series against New Zealand.”
What the injury is
According to AAP, a cervical facet joint connects to the spine and helps guide and stabilise movement of the neck. The ICC reported that Smith will not be considered for selection until the New Zealand series.
Read more: Steve Smith Ruled Out as Mitchell Starc Takes Six in Cape Town
A last-minute call
AAP reported that Smith batted in the nets for about 35 minutes on Sunday before stopping to stretch his neck, and tried to bat again on Tuesday morning, about 90 minutes before play, before deciding he could not get his neck right.
The timing of the decision drew comment in Cape Town. “There were frustrations and, in some cases, anger within the Australian camp around Smith’s decision not to play,” SEN’s Tom Morris said on The New Ball on Wednesday, as reported by news.com.au. AAP noted that Cricket Australia’s statement did not directly address those frustrations.
Inglis fills the gap
Josh Inglis came into the side for Smith and was unbeaten on 85 at stumps on day two, with Australia 330/4 and one run ahead of South Africa on first innings, the ICC reported.
Read more: Josh Inglis, Alex Carey Put Australia Ahead in Cape Town Test
What’s next for Smith
Smith has about six weeks to recover before the first Test against New Zealand, which starts a stretch of 10 Tests in 14 weeks through to mid-March, according to AAP.
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