New Delhi, Nov. 9 -- Australia batter Steve Smith has consulted a specialist in New York over the neck injury that forced him to miss the final Test against South Africa, with hopes that he will recover in time to feature for New South Wales against Queensland in the Sheffield Shield later this month, ahead of the Test series against New Zealand, according to Cricinfo.

Smith was diagnosed with an injury to his cervical facet joint after experiencing pain during the second Test at St George's Park. The discomfort also affected his batting position, forcing him to move down the order in the second innings.

Despite initial confidence within the Australian camp that Smith would recover in time for the series decider at Newlands, a nerve-blo...