Steve Smith cleared of serious neck injury, expected to be fit for New Zealand Tests

Australia's Steve Smith will not be considered for selection until the home Test series against New Zealand in December, after scans confirmed a cervical facet joint injury in his neck. The 37-year-old was ruled out of the ongoing third Test against South Africa in Cape Town after experiencing neck pain during the fourth day of the second Test in Gqeberha.

Smith dealt with the issue since the second Test in Gqeberha but continued to struggle with discomfort in the days that followed. MRI imaging confirmed that Smith had suffered a cervical facet joint injury. The cervical facet joint helps stabilise movement in the neck. Due to this injury and his limited range of motion, he was deemed unfit to participate in the third Test.

Cricket Australia (CA) said in a statement that Smith will continue to receive treatment and rehabilitation, with a full return to availability anticipated for the upcoming home Test series against New Zealand. The statement indicated that the 37-year-old would remain unavailable for selection until the upcoming home series.

"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.

When will Smith return to action?

All-rounder Cameron Green returned from injury to fill Smith's usual number four spot in the all-important Cape Town Test. During the decisive third Test, South Africa scored 329 in the first innings. Green, who is playing as a specialist batter, scored 65 off 110 balls.

Australia will host New Zealand across four Tests, beginning December 9 in Perth. The second, third, and fourth Test matches will be played in Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney, respectively. Ahead of this encounter, the Aussies will play three ODIs and five T20Is against their Ashes rivals England at home. Smith's anticipated return for this series represents a significant boost for Australia's batting lineup as they prepare for the home campaign against the Kiwis.