Steve Smith Ruled Out of Cape Town Decider as Green and Inglis Rescue Australia

Australia walked into the series decider without their most reliable run-scorer. Steve Smith was ruled out of the third Test at Newlands after scans confirmed a neck injury, and the batting order was reshuffled on the fly. Cameron Green and Josh Inglis answered the call in style.

Steve Smith’s Neck Injury: What the Scans Showed

MRI scans confirmed a cervical facet joint injury in Smith’s neck. Cricket Australia said he will continue treatment and rehabilitation.

Smith first felt the pain on day four of the second Test in Gqeberha. He struggled in the first innings and dropped to No. 7 in the second.

Scans followed after the squad arrived in Cape Town. Captain Pat Cummins and head coach Andrew McDonald had initially sounded confident he would be available.

A Late Withdrawal

The discomfort did not settle. Smith cut short an extended net session on Sunday, then withdrew after a brief hit on Monday morning while wearing a neck bandage.

Cricket Australia explained the decision in a statement.

“Subsequent MRI imaging confirmed a cervical facet joint injury. Due to this and his limited range of motion he was unfit to participate in the current Test.”

When Can Smith Return?

Cricket Australia expects a full return for the home Test series against New Zealand. That series begins in Perth on December 9, which gives Smith around six weeks to recover.

Depending on his progress, he could play Sheffield Shield cricket for New South Wales in November. The fixtures are against South Australia on November 11 and Queensland on November 22, both in Sydney.

Green and Inglis Step Up at Newlands

Smith’s exit brought Josh Inglis into the XI at No. 5, with Cameron Green moving up to No. 4. Both had recent injury problems of their own.

Green suffered an abdominal muscle tear while batting in Potchefstroom. Inglis hurt his right index finger when a Mitchell Starc delivery struck his gloves during an ODI in Durban last month. He wore a protective splint in his first first-class appearance in seven months.

It was only the third time in Australia’s previous 64 Tests that they named a top order without Smith. They lost two early wickets, then hit back.

Two Big Partnerships

Green made 65 and added 126 for the third wicket with Matt Renshaw. Inglis then took over, finishing day two unbeaten on 85 off 111 balls. He added 145 with Alex Carey.

Inglis Takes On the Spin Challenge

Inglis handled South Africa’s spin plans well, particularly against Simon Harmer. He faced 79 deliveries from the spinner before the second new ball. Over the past three years in first-class cricket, he has averaged 73.50 against spin.

The two century-plus stands were just the third time in Australia’s previous 31 Tests that they have recorded multiple 100-plus partnerships in one innings.

Attacking the New Ball

South Africa captain Temba Bavuma held back Marco Jansen for the second new ball. Inglis went after it, scoring 35 runs off 35 deliveries. Bavuma brought Harmer back just seven overs later.

Australia Find Stability in a Crucial Decider

Smith’s absence is a significant setback for Australia. Even so, Green, Inglis, Renshaw and Carey gave the innings stability when it mattered most.

The focus now shifts to Smith’s recovery, with the New Zealand series in Perth the next target.