Australia suffered a major setback ahead of the third Test against South Africa at Newlands in Cape Town, with Steve Smith ruled out due to a neck injury. The experienced batter had been struggling with the issue since the second Test in Gqeberha and failed to recover in time for the series decider.

Smith’s absence forced Australia into a significant reshuffle, with captain Pat Cummins making four changes to the playing XI. Australia won the toss and elected to bowl first on a sunny morning in Cape Town as they looked to bounce back from their defeat in the previous Test and win the series.

Why is Steve Smith not playing in the 3rd Test?

Smith had appeared likely to feature in the series decider despite his ongoing neck problem. However, he was visibly uncomfortable during a net session on the eve of the match and struggled again during a final batting assessment on the morning of the Test. Australia captain Cummins confirmed at the toss that Smith was unavailable after failing to feel comfortable while batting.

“He had another little try this morning but wasn’t happy with how his neck was feeling, so we had to look elsewhere,” Cummins explained.

Smith’s absence is a significant blow for Australia, given his experience and importance in the middle order. Cameron Green has moved into the No. 4 position to replace him, while Josh Inglis has been included at No. 5 after recovering from injury.

Josh Inglis returns as Australia make four changes

Australia brought back Inglis, Green, Cooper Connolly and Nathan Lyon for the series decider. Matthew Renshaw has moved up to open alongside Travis Head, while Connolly replaces Beau Webster at No. 7 to provide an additional left-arm spin option. Lyon also returns to the side, with Scott Boland missing out despite taking five wickets in the second Test.

Cummins described the decision to leave Boland out as a difficult one, calling the fast bowler unlucky. South Africa, meanwhile, made one change to the side that levelled the series with an innings victory in Gqeberha. Gerald Coetzee came in for the injured Anrich Nortje.

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Playing XI

South Africa: Aiden Markram, Marques Ackerman, David Bedingham, Temba Bavuma (c), Matthew Breetzke, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Simon Harmer, Kagiso Rabada, Gerald Coetzee

Australia: Matthew Renshaw, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey (wk), Cooper Connolly, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood

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