Steven Smith faces a crucial fitness test ahead of Australia’s third and final Test against South Africa in Cape Town, with his ongoing neck problem putting his availability for the series decider in doubt. The experienced batter struggled with the issue during the second Test in Gqeberha and must demonstrate significant improvement to feature in the upcoming match. Smith is expected to complete a full net session on Monday to prove his fitness.
However, his brief batting session on Sunday raised concerns, as he faced side-arm deliveries from Michael Di Venuto for just 15 minutes without wearing his helmet. Australia head coach Andrew McDonald admitted that Smith would need to make rapid progress to be considered for the final Test. “We feel like it’s going to be a pretty steep progression in terms of [whether] he should be available,” McDonald said. “But if we’re surprised today, you’ll see that play out.”
According to ESPNcricinfo, Marnus Labuschagne is likely to retain his place in Australia’s playing XI if Smith is ruled out. Labuschagne has faced scrutiny over his performances at No. 3, but chief selector George Bailey defended the batter, pointing out that he continues to spend time at the crease despite struggling to convert promising starts into substantial scores.
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Australia’s selectors were scheduled to finalise the squad on Monday before the team’s final training session at Newlands.
Meanwhile, Nic Maddinson and Sam Harper have been released from the Australian squad to return to domestic cricket. Maddinson will join New South Wales for their Sheffield Shield match starting Friday, while Harper will rejoin Victoria ahead of their fixture against Queensland beginning Saturday.
Steve Smith in the Newlands nets as he seeks to prove his fitness. https://t.co/Pn3SdsM3nc
— Daniel Cherny (@DanielCherny) October 26, 2026
Maddinson’s release follows a disappointing return to Test cricket, with scores of 0, 48, 0 and 8 across his four innings. His departure could allow Matt Renshaw to return to the top of the order alongside Travis Head. However, Bailey stressed that Maddinson’s release does not end his Test ambitions, adding that selectors will continue monitoring him during the Australian home summer and ahead of India’s visit.
Harper had been included as wicketkeeping cover after Josh Inglis fractured a finger. Inglis has since been cleared to resume wicketkeeping duties if Alex Carey encounters any problems.
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South Africa, meanwhile, have made one confirmed change to their playing XI for the series decider. Gerald Coetzee replaces the injured Anrich Nortje, strengthening the hosts’ pace-bowling options for the decisive encounter.
South Africa’s 11: Aiden Markram, Marques Ackerman, David Bedingham, Temba Bavuma, Matthew Breetzke, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Simon Harmer, Gerald Coetzee, Kagiso Rabada.
