Australia's Smith available to bat on final day of 2nd South Africa test

Australia's Steve Smith will be available to bat on the ​last day of the second test ‌against South Africa at St George’s Park on Thursday, officials said, after a neck issue restricted ​him a day earlier.

Smith batted with obvious ​discomfort on Wednesday but still top ⁠scored for Australia in their first innings ​of 99 and reached the milestone of 11,000 ​career test runs.

He did not come out to bat in his regular No. 4 spot in the ​second innings, staying in the changing ​room and receiving treatment.

Team officials said it was not ‌a ⁠serious injury and Smith did take part in the warm-up on Thursday, hitting throw downs from coach Andrew McDonald.

Rain delayed the start ​of play ​on the ⁠final day with South Africa needing six wickets to win the ​test and level the three-match series.

Australia ​will ⁠resume their second innings on 156-4, trailing by 170 runs as they seek to ⁠avoid ​an innings defeat.

Play was due ​to start 75 minutes behind schedule at 11 a.m. (0900 ​GMT).