Steve Smith expected to return for New Zealand Tests as Andrew McDonald breaks silence on injury concern

Andrew McDonald backs Steve Smith to return for Australia’s New Zealand Tests

Australia head coach Andrew McDonald expects veteran batter Steve Smith to be available for the upcoming Test series against New Zealand, despite the neck injury that forced him to miss the decisive match against South Africa. McDonald said the team’s current prediction is that Smith will return for the opening Test in Perth, while stressing that his recovery and preparation must be managed carefully.

Smith withdrew shortly before the third Test at Newlands in Cape Town, where South Africa claimed a 176-run victory to win the series 2-1. The result also lifted South Africa above Australia in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 standings. Australia’s final-day chase of 288 unravelled quickly, ending at 111 as the hosts’ bowlers took control.

Australia planning for Smith to play in Perth

Speaking after the defeat, McDonald said Australia was preparing for Smith to anchor the middle order when the team faces New Zealand in a four-Test series. He described conversations around the batter’s fitness as ongoing, rather than a one-time decision, and said the priority was to understand the cause of the neck problem and reduce the risk of another flare-up.

“We are planning for him to play against New Zealand, Test one in Perth,” McDonald said. He added that Smith could use domestic Sheffield Shield cricket as part of his preparation, giving him a chance to build match readiness before the international series.

The coach’s confidence is encouraging for Australia, but it does not mean Smith’s place is guaranteed regardless of his condition. The medical staff will need to assess how the injury responds to treatment and training, while selectors will weigh the value of match practice against the importance of avoiding a recurrence. For a senior batter expected to play a central role, a measured return could be more useful than rushing back without adequate preparation.

Neck injury ruled Smith out of the series decider

Smith’s neck trouble became more serious in the week before the Cape Town Test. An MRI scan confirmed the issue after the Australian squad arrived in South Africa. He received a pain-relieving injection on the morning of the match, but it did not provide enough relief for him to play.

Although Smith appeared comfortable during an initial net session the previous day, McDonald cautioned that a promising practice session could not confirm how he would feel after a night’s rest. The decision ultimately depended on Smith’s condition the following morning, not simply on how he looked while batting in the nets.

That distinction matters in Test cricket, where players must cope with long periods in the field, repeated batting sessions and the physical strain of a five-day match. A neck injury can affect movement and concentration, making it difficult for a batter to perform safely even if he can manage a short training session.

Cummins supports Smith’s late withdrawal

Australia captain Pat Cummins said Smith had remained hopeful of playing until late in the decision-making process. Cummins described his absence as a major blow, given Smith’s standing in the side and his importance to the batting order, but backed the veteran’s judgement.

“He wanted to give it right to the last minute,” Cummins said, explaining that Smith ultimately did not feel right. The captain added that Smith knew his own body better than anyone else and that the decision to withdraw was understandable, even though it was disappointing for the team.

McDonald also defended the process, saying Smith and the medical team had given the batter every reasonable opportunity to recover. When Smith was not ready on match morning, the staff trusted his assessment. That approach reflects the role experienced players can play in managing their own fitness, while leaving the final decision grounded in medical advice and the demands of the match.

Inglis steps in as Green returns

Josh Inglis replaced Smith in the playing XI and made the most of the opportunity, scoring a century in Australia’s first innings. Cameron Green also returned from injury at No. 4, contributing 65 and 27. Their performances offered some individual positives, but they could not prevent Australia from losing control of the match.

Inglis’s hundred was particularly valuable in a difficult series, demonstrating the depth Australia can call on when a senior player is unavailable. However, Smith’s experience and record in the middle order remain difficult to replace, especially in challenging conditions where patience and decision-making can determine whether a batting innings survives.

Rabada and Harmer seal South Africa’s victory

Australia’s batting problems continued after the team had been dismissed for 99 in the previous Test. Chasing 288 on the final day at Newlands, the visitors were immediately put under pressure by Kagiso Rabada, whose pace and accuracy produced a devastating opening spell.

Rabada took three wickets for 14 runs in five overs. He dismissed Matt Renshaw for a golden duck with the first ball of the innings, then trapped Marnus Labuschagne lbw for four only three deliveries later. Australia slumped to 42 for six before reaching 60 for seven at lunch, leaving the chase all but over.

Off-spinner Simon Harmer then exploited the worn pitch, which had become increasingly difficult for batting as the match entered its final day. Harmer claimed six wickets for 16 runs in 21.1 overs, finishing with match figures of 10 for 120—his best performance in Test cricket. South Africa bowled Australia out for 111 and completed a commanding 176-run win.

What Smith’s return could mean for Australia

Smith’s expected return would give Australia a major boost as the team turns its attention to New Zealand. The opening Test in Perth is the current target, with Sheffield Shield cricket potentially providing a useful bridge between rehabilitation and international competition. His availability could help restore stability to a batting line-up that struggled badly in South Africa.

Still, Australia’s defeat exposed issues that go beyond the absence of one player. The team will need to improve its response to high-quality new-ball bowling, avoid early collapses and find ways to counter spin when conditions deteriorate. Smith’s presence may strengthen the order, but the broader challenge is producing a more consistent collective performance.

For now, McDonald’s message is one of confidence tempered by caution: Australia is planning for Smith to play, but his health and preparation will guide the final decision. The coming weeks should clarify whether the veteran can build enough match fitness to take his place in Perth—and whether Australia can turn the lessons of Cape Town into a stronger start against New Zealand.