Australia is optimistic that Steven Smith will recover in time for their series against New Zealand, despite recent scans revealing an injury to his neck’s cervical facet joint. Smith initially felt discomfort during Australia’s second Test against South Africa in Gqeberha, Cricket Australia (CA) disclosed, but he hopes to be fit for the series starting in early December. His injury, however, ruled him out of the final Test at Newlands.
During his stint at St George’s Park, Smith was visibly affected and dropped down the batting order to number seven for the second innings. Reports suggest he had scans upon the team’s arrival in Cape Town. The cervical facet joints, located at the back of each vertebra, aid in guiding and stabilising neck movements.
Head coach Andrew McDonald and captain Pat Cummins were initially hopeful about Smith’s participation in the Test at Newlands. Nonetheless, his difficulties persisted, and he opted against playing on the morning of the match. A statement from CA conveyed, “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.” They added that Smith would receive ongoing treatment, aiming for a full recovery by the time the home series against New Zealand kicks off.
With roughly six weeks until the first Test against New Zealand on 9th December in Perth, Smith’s schedule allows potential participation in New South Wales’ Sheffield Shield matches: against South Australia on 11th November and against Queensland on 22nd November, both in Sydney.
Smith’s absence at Newlands necessitated the quick inclusion of Josh Inglis to bat at No. 5, while Cameron Green moved up to No. 4. Inglis impressed with an unbeaten 85 from 111 balls, complemented by Green’s 65, as they shared a crucial 126-run partnership with Matt Renshaw for the third wicket. Reflecting on the innings, Renshaw remarked, “I think to come in today, we were under a little bit of pressure having lost two quick wickets. The way that he [Inglis] played was really positive. It was a very Josh innings and I think it was really what we needed at that time.”
