Australia will wait until the last moment to determine whether Steve Smith is fit to play in the third and final Test against South Africa at Newlands, captain Pat Cummins said on Monday.
Smith’s neck injury clouds selection for Cape Town decider
Smith suffered a neck injury during South Africa’s innings in the second Test in Gqeberha — a match the Proteas won by an innings and 31 runs to level the series at 1-1. Cummins said the team would allow the batter as much time as possible to prove his fitness before naming the XI for the match starting on Tuesday.
“Hopefully, it all goes well and he’ll be there,” Cummins said. “But we just want to wait for that last piece of the puzzle [before naming a team].”
The captain stressed Smith’s importance to the side while also underlining the pragmatic approach the management will take ahead of the decider. Cummins highlighted Smith’s recent attitude and involvement around the squad during the tour, noting the veteran’s positive presence off the field.
Batting reshuffle likely if Smith is unavailable
Cummins indicated the side is considering a rejig of batting positions. Cameron Green is being considered for a role “preferably in the middle order”, which would likely push Matt Renshaw back to opening alongside Travis Head. That move follows Nic Maddinson’s omission from the squad earlier in the tour.
- Cameron Green — earmarked for a middle-order spot if selected;
- Matt Renshaw — likely to open the batting if Green moves down the order;
- Steve Smith — final fitness decision pending before team announcement.
Cummins also reflected on Smith’s recent form and fitness history on the tour. Smith has averaged just over 20 in four innings and sustained a blow to the head in the first Test before the neck injury in the second. The captain nevertheless reminded observers of the batter’s standing in world cricket.
“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,” Cummins said.
Selection debate remains over Marnus Labuschagne
Another selection talking point is Marnus Labuschagne, whose role in the middle order has been questioned as his century drought stretches on. According to the report, Labuschagne’s run without a Test century has extended to 47 innings, though he has repeatedly contributed scores in the 30s and 40s.
The Queenslander has posted scores between 30 and 49 in six of his past nine innings, a pattern selectors must weigh against his known ability to absorb pressure and shield teammates early against the new ball. That temperament is seen as valuable in South African conditions, especially in a series decider.
| Issue | Detail |
|---|---|
| Series standing | 1-1 after Gqeberha (South Africa won by an innings and 31 runs) |
| Smith’s recent return | Averaging a little over 20 in four innings; neck injury in second Test |
| Labuschagne | 47 innings without a century; frequent 30–49 scores |
With the series on the line, the Australians' decisions on fitness and batting order will carry significant weight. If Smith is passed fit, his familiarity with Newlands—despite the ground being associated with painful memories from 2018—adds experience to a side seeking a series-clinching performance. If he is not, the reshuffle may alter the balance between pace and batting depth.
For South Africa, such late developments in the opposition camp provide a tactical variable to monitor, but the Proteas will also be preparing their best XI to seize the final Test at Newlands and claim the series.
Selection announcements are expected after the final fitness assessments. Both teams head into one of the more charged fixtures on the international calendar with form, fitness and personnel decisions all poised to decide the series outcome.
