![Steve Smith is expected to return in AUS vs NZ Tests [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1793247903441_SteveSmithInjuryUpdate.jpg?type=hq)
Steve Smith is expected to return in AUS vs NZ Tests [Source: AFP]
In a significant development, Cricket Australia issued an update on Steve Smith's injury, expecting the batter to regain fitness before the home series against New Zealand. Steve Smith was ruled out of the deciding Test of the ongoing three-match series between Australia and South Africa due to a neck injury.
As Smith failed to clear the fitness Test for the Cape Town Test, Josh Inglis made it into the Australian playing XI against South Africa.
CA confirms Smith's cervical facet joint injury, might make his comeback vs NZ
Cricket Australia revealed that Steve Smith experienced neck discomfort during the fourth day of the second Test against South Africa in Gqeberha. He subsequently underwent an MRI scan, which confirmed a cervical facet joint injury.
The injury affected Smith's mobility and eventually ruled him out of the Cape Town Test. Cricket Australia also stated that Steve Smith would continue his rehabilitation and might make his cricketing comeback in the home Test series against New Zealand, commencing on December 9.
"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. 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 was quoted as saying by Australian media agency 7News.
Australia are set to face New Zealand across four Test matches in Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney, in December-January.
How did Steve Smith perform in AUS vs SA Test series?
Steve Smith failed to live up to the expectations in the Test series against South Africa. Although the talismanic batter surpassed Steve Waugh and became the third Australian batter to reach 11000 Test runs, Smith's overall performance was underwhelming by his standards.
The gritty right-hander repeatedly failed to convert his starts into significant scores, finishing the tour with 83 runs in four outings at a modest average of 20.75. A hard-fought 88-ball 28 in the first innings of the Gqeberha Test turned out to be his highest score in the series.
