Photo via The Times of India

Steve Smith's neck injury forces extended layoff, CA reveals return timeline

Steve Smith will miss the remainder of the series against South Africa and faces an extended period on the sidelines after medical imaging revealed a cervical facet joint injury in his neck. Cricket Australia confirmed that the veteran batter will undergo a rehabilitation program with the goal of returning for the home series against New Zealand later in the year.

Stepping into the lineup during the Cape Town fixture, Josh Inglis capitalized on the opportunity by compiling an unbeaten 85 runs. Australia closed out the day at 330 for four in response to South Africa's first-innings total of 329, aided by contributions from Matt Renshaw, Cameron Green, and Alex Carey, following a strong bowling performance earlier in the match led by Mitchell Starc.

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