Smith's last-minute South Africa withdrawal won't end his Test career
Andrew McDonald says Steve Smith will play New Zealand Tests after withdrawing from South Africa's final Test due to a neck issue.
Australia's Test coach Andrew McDonald is confident Steve Smith will play next month's four-match series against New Zealand. Smith missed the deciding Test in Cape Town on Friday after a neck injury flared up the previous week.
A pain-killing injection on match morning didn't help, and Smith failed a late fitness test. The 37-year-old remains non-committal about future tours to India and England.
McDonald said the team will use Shield cricket to prepare Smith properly for Perth's first Test.
- 37
- Smith's age
- Four matches against New Zealand
- Next Test series
- Perth
- First Test location
Why it mattersSmith's availability matters because he is Australia's most skilled Test batsman, and his absences weaken the middle order on challenging tours.
AustraliaSmith's fitness directly affects Australia's chances on the upcoming New Zealand Tests and difficult tours to India and England next year.
