Steve Smith out of South Africa decider with neck injury

Steve Smith will miss Australia’s third Test against South Africa after MRI scans confirmed a cervical facet joint injury, Cricket Australia said, with his return to availability anticipated for the home series against New Zealand in December. Smith developed neck pain on the fourth day of the second Test in Gqeberha. The injury and restricted range of motion left him unfit for the deciding match in Cape Town, Cricket Australia said. He will continue treatment and rehabilitation, but the anticipated return is not a guarantee that he will be fit to play or selected. Australia had hoped Smith would be available for the Cape Town Test, but he withdrew before the match. His absence led Josh Inglis to enter the side and Cameron Green to move into Smith’s usual No. 4 batting position. On the second day of the decider, Inglis was unbeaten on 85 as Australia reached 330 for four, one run ahead of South Africa’s first-innings total of 329. Green made 65, Matt Renshaw scored 74 and Alex Carey contributed 51. Australia had lost two quick wickets before Inglis and the other batters helped steady the innings. Cricket Australia’s statement linked Smith’s recovery timetable to the New...