Sports · Cricket · 2 hrs ago
Steve Smith expected to recover in time for Australia’s New Zealand Tests
Steve Smith has been cleared of serious neck damage after scans found an injury to a joint in his neck.
The 37-year-old had been dealing with soreness since the second Test against South Africa in Gqeberha.
He missed the deciding Test in Cape Town after struggling to bat during practice and on the morning of the match.
The injury affects a cervical facet joint, which helps stabilise movement in the neck.
Cricket Australia expects him to be available for the home Test series against New Zealand.
Australia will host New Zealand for four Tests, starting in Perth on 9 December.
Smith will continue treatment and rehabilitation before the series.
Steve Smith has been cleared of serious neck damage and is expected to be available for Australia’s home Test series against New Zealand.
Scans found an injury to a cervical facet joint, which helps stabilise movement in the neck.
Smith missed the decisive third Test against South Africa in Cape Town after several days of neck pain.
Cricket Australia said Smith would continue treatment and rehabilitation.
Australia’s four-Test series against New Zealand is due to begin in Perth on 9 December.
- Who
- Steve Smith, Australia’s batter.
- What
- He was diagnosed with a cervical facet joint injury but cleared of serious neck damage. Cricket Australia expects him to return to availability for the New Zealand home Test series.
- When
- The reports were published on 29 October 2026. The series is due to begin on 9 December.
- Where
- Smith was ruled out of the third Test against South Africa in Cape Town. Australia will host New Zealand, with the first Test in Perth.
- Why
- Smith had a sore neck over several days, and scans showed an injury to a cervical facet joint.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Smith began dealing with neck problems.
Smith appeared in discomfort in the nets.
Smith, wearing a heavily bandaged neck, struggled to bat properly and was left out of Australia’s XI.
Reports said scans had found a cervical facet joint injury and Cricket Australia anticipated Smith’s return for the home series against New Zealand.
Australia’s four-Test series against New Zealand is due to begin in Perth.
- Injury
- Cervical facet joint
- Third Test
- South Africa vs Australia in Cape Town
- Series start
- 9 December
- First Test venue
- Perth
- Series length
- Four Tests
3 sources
What people are saying
Steve will continue to receive treatment and rehabilitation, with a full return to availability anticipated for the upcoming home test series against New Zealand,