Sports · Cricket · 3 hrs ago
Australia Give Steve Smith Until Test Morning to Prove Fitness
Australia are waiting on Steve Smith's fitness before naming their team for the third Test against South Africa in Cape Town.
Smith injured his neck in the second Test, which South Africa won by an innings and 31 runs to level the series at 1-1.
The final Test will decide the series, and is scheduled to begin on Tuesday.
Captain Pat Cummins said Australia would give Smith as much time as possible, with the team decision delayed until the morning of the match.
Marnus Labuschagne's place is also in question after a long run without a century, while Cameron Green is set to play and may bat in the middle order.
Australia are also weighing whether to bring back spinner Nathan Lyon, while South Africa have named Gerald Coetzee in place of the injured Anrich Nortje.
Australia's final XI is due on match morning, and Smith's availability remains uncertain.
Australia will assess Steve Smith’s neck fitness before naming their team for the third and final Test against South Africa.
The series decider is scheduled to begin Tuesday in Cape Town, with the series level at 1-1.
Captain Pat Cummins said Australia would wait for the final fitness assessment before making a selection decision.
Smith injured his neck during the second Test in Gqeberha, after also being hit on the head in the first Test.
South Africa named Gerald Coetzee to replace injured fast bowler Anrich Nortje.
- Who
- Australia will assess batter Steve Smith, with captain Pat Cummins discussing his fitness.
- What
- Smith faces a fitness assessment for a neck injury ahead of the series-deciding Test.
- When
- The third Test is scheduled to begin Tuesday; Australia planned to delay naming its team until the morning of the match.
- Where
- Cape Town, at Newlands.
- Why
- Smith injured his neck during the second Test, and Australia must decide whether he is fit to play.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
South Africa beat Australia by an innings and 31 runs in Gqeberha, levelling the series at 1-1; Smith injured his neck.
Smith batted for 15 minutes against side-arm deliveries in the nets, according to News18.
Cummins said Australia would wait for the final fitness assessment before naming the team.
The third and final Test is scheduled to begin in Cape Town.
- Series
- Level at 1-1
- Decider
- Third and final Test
- Venue
- Newlands, Cape Town
- Steve Smith
- Neck injury sustained during the second Test in Gqeberha
- South Africa selection
- Gerald Coetzee replaces injured Anrich Nortje
5 sources
Australia give Steve Smith chance to prove fitness ahead of South Africa series decider
Cummins reveals Australia’s plan for Steve Smith ahead of South Africa decider
‘Last piece of the puzzle’; Watch continues on Steve Smith as champion battles neck complaint on eve of decider
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Steve Smith Doubtful For Deciding 3rd Test Against South Africa
What people are saying
Hopefully, it all goes well and he’ll be there
But we just want to wait for that kind of last piece of the puzzle
We feel like it’s going to be a pretty steep progression in terms of [whether] he should be available
The focus is on hundreds. I don’t think I’m in a position to defend the performance.