Australia will allow Steve Smith additional preparation time to demonstrate his readiness for the third and final Test against South Africa at Newlands, according to captain Pat Cummins. Smith sustained a neck injury during South Africa's innings-and-31-run victory in the second Test at Gqeberha, which levelled the series at 1-1 heading into the decisive match in Cape Town.
According to The Guardian, Cummins expressed optimism about Smith's participation while acknowledging the need to wait for final confirmation. "Hopefully, it all goes well and he'll be there," Cummins stated. "But we just want to wait for that last piece of the puzzle [before naming a team]."
The Australian captain's cautious approach reflects the importance of the match. According to the Riverine Herald, Australia could lose the No. 1 spot in the world Test rankings to South Africa if defeated at Newlands. On Monday, Smith batted for approximately 35 minutes in the nets, took a break to stretch his neck, then returned for roughly 10 minutes before concluding the session, suggesting gradual progress toward match fitness.
The squad adjustments reveal significant changes to Australia's batting lineup. Matt Renshaw is expected to open with Travis Head after Nic Maddinson was dropped from the squad. Cameron Green will bat preferably in the middle order, with Cricket Australia reporting that both Green and Josh Inglis are fully fit and available for selection, with Inglis having recovered from a broken finger.
What is Smith's form heading into the decider?
Smith's recent performances have been inconsistent. Across four innings on this tour, he has averaged just over 20 runs, and he sustained a blow to the head during the first Test before the neck injury in the second. Despite these setbacks, Cummins praised Smith's overall contribution to the tour and his mental state.
He's been awesome this tour. In the last couple of years, probably particularly the last 12 months, it feels like he's in a really good place and he's enjoying his cricket. He's getting himself out, whether it is playing golf or going for coffee club every morning. He's been super invested in what's going on and very helpful for me out in the middle.
Cummins emphasised that Smith's standing as one of Australia's greatest batters means occasional matches below full fitness are inevitable.
He looks in total control of how he's going about his work. He's one of the greatest batters we've ever had. You don't play 100 odd Tests without matches where you're not 100% fit.
Why is Labuschagne's selection still under scrutiny?
Marnus Labuschagne's retention for the third Test appears likely, given his ability to absorb pressure against the new ball and support teammates. However, his form remains a persistent concern for selectors. His run without a century has extended to 47 innings, and his recent performances have followed a troubling pattern.
In his past nine innings, Labuschagne has scored between 30 and 49 runs on six occasions, while his career average over the past 37 Tests has fallen to half of what it was during his first 30 Tests. This decline prompted Cummins to acknowledge last week that scores in the 30s
aren't going to win too many matches.
Chief selector George Bailey acknowledged the frustration while defending the decision to retain Labuschagne.
The focus is on hundreds. I don't think I'm in a position to defend the performance. But in terms of the collective, there's been times where that's helped. And that's the question we keep asking ourselves.
Bailey outlined the thinking behind Labuschagne's continued selection, noting that while a psychological barrier around the 30s exists, his ability to occupy the crease remains valuable.
We're seeing some good things, yes. Is there a block at the moment around 30s? Yes. He's still contributing in terms of his ability to get through a number of balls. So it's a decision around what does that look like if it gets through there. And what does it look like for the collective around and how everyone else, is it helping others around him. Is it helping the team get a result?
Labuschagne's selection comes after he scored 111 against a Cricket South Africa Invitation XI in early October, his first century in 11 months, which had positioned him to retain the No. 3 spot for the opening Test.
What is the significance of Newlands for Smith?
The venue carries profound historical weight for Smith. Newlands is where his captaincy ended in 2018 following the ball-tampering scandal known as "Sandpapergate," which shook Australian cricket. A strong performance in the series decider would represent a symbolic redemption at a ground that marked one of the darkest chapters of his career.
When does the series decider take place?
The third Test is scheduled for October 27–31 at Newlands in Cape Town, with the first ball at 10:30 a.m. local time on October 27. Australia planned to confirm its XI at the toss on Tuesday, meaning Smith's fitness assessment would be finalised before play began. Australia won the first Test in Durban by 214 runs before South Africa's innings-and-31-run victory in Gqeberha levelled the series, setting up a winner-take-all contest.
