Sport

Australia’s Smith cleared of serious neck injury, set to play in first NZ test

Read a summary of this article on FAST.

Get bite-sized news via a new
cards interface. Give it a try.

Click here to return to FAST
Tap here to return to FAST

FAST

Oct 29 : Australia expect Steve Smith to be fit for the first home test against New Zealand in Perth in December after scans cleared the veteran batter of serious neck damage.

The 37-year-old was ruled out of the third and deciding test against South Africa in Cape Town after battling a sore neck for a number of days.

Scans confirmed an injury to a cervical facet joint, which helps stabilise movement in the neck.

“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 said in a statement.

Guess Word
Crack the word, one row at a time

Buzzword
Create words using the given letters

Mini Sudoku
Tiny puzzle, mighty brain teaser

Mini Crossword
Small grid, big challenge

Word Search
Spot as many words as you can

Show More

Show Less

Team staff had hoped he could play at Newlands after batting in the nets on Sunday but ultimately deemed him unfit.

All-rounder Cameron Green returned from injury to bat in Smith’s usual number four position in Cape Town.

Australia were 330 for four at the close of the second day in reply to South Africa’s first innings 329.

Australia will host New Zealand in four tests, starting with the December 9 opener at Perth Stadium.

Source: Reuters

Sign up for our newsletters

Get our pick of top stories and thought-provoking articles in your inbox

Get the CNA app

Stay updated with notifications for breaking news and our best stories

Get WhatsApp alerts

Join our channel for the top reads for the day on your preferred chat app

Get bite-sized news via a new
cards interface. Give it a try.

Click here to return to FAST
Tap here to return to FAST

FAST