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.
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.
ICC World Test ChampionshipICC World Test Championship, 2025/27NewsSteve Smith
