Australia have suffered a setback ahead of the third and final Test against <a href="https://absafricatv.com/south-africa-vs-australia-3rd-test-live-streaming-when-and-where-to-watch-sa-vs-aus-match-online/" title="South Africa vs Australia 3rd Test live streaming: When and where to watch SA vs AUS match online”>South Africa, with Steve Smith ruled out of the series decider due to a neck injury.
Smith had complained of neck stiffness during Australia’s match-eve training session and was scheduled to undergo a fitness test ahead of the crucial encounter. However, the batter has not been named in the playing XI for the final Test at Newlands in Cape Town.
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The injury concern had also affected Smith during the second Test in Gqeberha, where he did not come out to bat for an extended period as Australia suffered an innings-and-31-run defeat.
Australia made four changes in total, with Josh Inglis, Cameron Green, Cooper Connolly and Nathan Lyon coming into the XI. Matt Renshaw, who’s had a brilliant series upon return, will open with Travis Head while Green is expected to slot in at No.4 to replace Smith.
The World Test Championship series is currently level at 1-1, with Australia winning the opening Test in Durban by 214 runs before South Africa responded emphatically in the second match.
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ICC World Test ChampionshipICC World Test Championship, 2025/27NewsSteve Smith
