Overview
- Scans during the South Africa tour found cervical facet joint damage in Steve Smith’s neck that forced him to withdraw from the third Test at Newlands.
- George Bailey said on Monday that Smith travelled to New York for specialist appointments and that those consultations produced positive findings about his condition.
- Selectors are targeting a return via Sheffield Shield round five for Smith to regain match fitness and form with New South Wales.
- Cricket Australia says Smith remains in contention for the upcoming home Tests and for potential 2027 tours to India and England, but selection will depend on rehab progress and match readiness.
- Smith faces extra pressure from poor form on the South Africa tour, a recent concussion scare, and renewed scrutiny from Usman Khawaja’s memoir, which could affect team selection and public attention during his comeback.