Steve Smith to Miss Upcoming Tests Due to Neck Injury

Steve Smith, the Australian cricketer, will not be available for selection until the home Test series against New Zealand in December following a confirmed cervical facet joint injury. Cricket Australia announced the news after Smith withdrew from the third Test against South Africa in Cape Town.

The injury occurred during the second Test in Gqeberha, where Smith experienced neck pain on the fourth day. Subsequent MRI scans revealed the extent of the injury, leading to his unfitness for the current Test match. Smith is expected to continue treatment and rehabilitation in hopes of returning for the New Zealand series.

In Smith's absence, Josh Inglis has stepped in and made a significant impact, scoring an unbeaten 85 runs as Australia reached 330/4 in their reply to South Africa's first innings total of 329. The match continues to unfold with other players contributing to the team's performance.