![Steve Smith's neck injury update [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1794201575735_SteveSmithneckinury.jpg?type=hq)
Steve Smith's neck injury update [Source: AFP]
Steve Smith, the Australian veteran who opted out of the South Africa vs Australia 3rd Test due to a neck injury, has an update on his participation in the sport. The cricketer was in severe pain, which eventually ruled him out of the crucial Test despite taking painkillers.
As the cricketer prepares for the New Zealand Tests in December, Australia’s chair of selectors George Bailey shared a massive update on his fitness and playing conditions for a Sheffield Shield game Smith is aiming.
Steve Smith set to play Sheffield Shield game after neck injury in South Africa
As per George Bailey, Smith consulted a specialist in New York and was diagnosed with an injury to his cervical facet joint. That injury also saw him slip down the order in the second innings of the 2nd Test. Nevertheless, Steve Smith took a break after the injury and went to New York from where he is expected to fly back to Sydney next week.
"Just chatting to him in New York, he's had some specialist appointments there and some progress, I think, in terms of getting to the root of what might have been causing him some trouble in South Africa," chair of selectors George Bailey told reporters on Monday.
"So hopefully that continues to trend in the right direction. His plan is he'll… be available for Shield [round] five," Bailey added.
Notably, it is hoped that Smith will be available to play for New South Wales against Queensland in the Sheffield Shield later this month.
No retirement for Smith soon, fitness and performance to be prioritised
Although Steve Smith has recently said his Test career will be measured series by series, the serious neck injury only raised retirement fears. However, Bailey stressed that Smith has been doing well as per the New York specialists.
"I certainly haven't had any discussions with him to suggest otherwise. And as I said, the information that he shared from New York post those specialist updates are positive,” Bailey said.
"And I think Ronnie [head coach Andrew McDonald] touched on this in trying to get to the bottom of what causes it and if it happens again, how quickly can we find a remedy that can get on top of it and get him back on the park,” Bailey said.
Further, Bailey also showed confidence in Smith’s participation in the all-important India series next year, which is scheduled for January 21 to February 27, 2027.
