Steve Smith was ruled out of Australia’s third Test decider against South Africa in Cape Town after it was confirmed late on Tuesday morning that the batter had not fully recovered from a neck injury. Australia gave the 37-year-old a chance to prove his fitness ahead of the match, which would have marked Smith’s return to Cape Town for the first time since the infamous ball-tampering scandal at Newlands in 2018.
Injury Setback and Team Changes
Smith appeared to injure himself during his first spell at the crease in Australia’s second Test defeat to South Africa in Gqeberha, where the hosts levelled the series 1-1. The former captain subsequently dropped down the batting order in the second innings as Pat Cummins’ side suffered an innings and 31-run loss. Ahead of the third Test, Smith complained of neck stiffness during a training session and was later seen walking around Newlands with a large plaster on his neck.
Cummins stated that their star batter attempted to work through the injury early Tuesday morning before the toss. “He had a little try this morning,” Cummins told SuperSport. “But he wasn’t happy with how his neck was feeling, so we had to look elsewhere.”
Smith, who previously served a 12-month suspension for his role as captain in the 2018 scandal, experienced a quiet tour of South Africa. His highest score was 28 in the first innings in Gqeberha, following scores of 25 and 27 in the opening Test in Durban.
Lineup Adjustments and Toss
Cameron Green returned to the starting lineup, taking Smith’s spot at No 4. Josh Inglis, Cooper Connolly, and Nathan Lyon also entered the XI. Beau Webster, Scott Boland, and Nic Maddinson dropped out, while Matt Renshaw replaced Maddinson as the opening batter.
Australia won the toss and chose to field first. Cummins expressed confidence that his batting lineup could recover following South Africa’s bowling performance that restricted them to 99 runs in the first innings of the previous match. “We’ve got some guys really well placed,” Cummins stated. “They’ve been here working hard the last couple of weeks. A couple of injuries they’re coming back from and are now 100 per cent. It’s exciting, it’s a huge opportunity and everyone’s itching to get out there.”
The deciding third Test between Australia and South Africa is available to watch live on Sky Sports.
