Australian batsman Steve Smith has been ruled out of selection until the home Test series against New Zealand in December after suffering a cervical facet joint injury to his neck. Cricket Australia confirmed the injury following Smith's withdrawal from the third Test match against South Africa in Cape Town.

Smith suffered neck pain on the fourth day of the second Test in Gqeberha last week. After scans confirmed the injury, limited movement in his neck meant he could not play in the series-decider. Team Australia is now hopeful that Smith will make a full recovery in time for the home summer Test series.

Cricket Australia Confirms Steve Smith's Injury and Recovery Timeline

“Steve Smith suffered neck soreness during the second Test in Gqeberha on Day Four of the match,” Cricket Australia said in a statement.

“MRI scans confirmed Steve had sustained a cervical facet joint injury. He has not been able to play due to this and limitations in his range of movement.”

“Steve will continue with his treatment and rehabilitation, and he is expected to make a full recovery to be available for the upcoming home Test series against New Zealand,” the statement said.

Australia recalled Josh Inglis to take Smith's place in the Cape Town Test and Inglis immediately got off to a flying start, scoring an unbeaten 85 as Australia reached 330/4 at the close of play. Australia now have a narrow first innings lead of just 1 run.

Matt Renshaw chipped in with a 74 while Cameron Green added 65 and Alex Carey went unbeaten on 51. But Marnus Labuschagne had another terrible game and scored a duck.

South Africa were bowled out for 329 early in the match after Australia won the toss to bat first. Aiden Markram scored 78 while Marques Ackermann and Marco Jansen chipped in with 95 and 52.

Inglis made his comeback to Test cricket in Cape Town after his last appearance against England in Adelaide in the last Ashes series. He started brightly and received praise from his teammate Renshaw who praised his ability to thrive under pressure.

“Josh is a super talent. We've seen that in a lot of the white ball formats,” Renshaw said.

“We were a little bit under pressure coming in today after losing two quick wickets and he played really positively.

As Smith focuses on his rehabilitation, Australia will be hoping the veteran batsman can make a full recovery to play in the New Zealand series in December.

As Smith focuses on his rehabilitation, Australia will be hoping the veteran batsman can make a full recovery to play in the New Zealand series in December.