Scans show joint injury for Smith, expected to be fit to face NZ

Australia batter Steven Smith suffered a cervical facet joint injury in his neck, ruling him out of the deciding Test against South Africa at Newlands. Cricket Australia confirmed the injury following MRI scans after Smith experienced pain during the second Test in Gqeberha. Despite missing the series decider, he is expected to recover in time for the home Test series against New Zealand starting December 9 in Perth.

Smith has six weeks to recuperate and may participate in Sheffield Shield matches for New South Wales in November depending on his recovery. In Smith's absence at Newlands, Josh Inglis was added to the Australian lineup and scored an unbeaten 85, while Cameron Green stepped into the number four position and contributed 65 runs.