McDonald bullish on Smith’s Test future as home series looms

Australia coach Andrew McDonald has expressed strong confidence that Steve Smith will return for next month's home Test series against New Zealand. Smith withdrew from the deciding third Test in Cape Town because of a persistent neck issue after a fitness test and an injection failed to resolve the problem. McDonald confirmed the team is actively planning for the 37-year-old to play in the first Test in Perth.

Australia lost the series to South Africa 2-1 after suffering a 176-run defeat in the final match, but McDonald defended his batting unit despite low scores. The coach hinted that wholesale changes are unlikely, though Marnus Labuschagne's spot is under review following a prolonged run of low scores, potentially opening a path for batting order reshuffles.