Australia have made significant alterations for the third Test of the series against South Africa, with Steven Smith ruled out due to a neck injury. Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Nathan Lyon, and Cooper Connolly are recalled to the side as Australia opt to bat following their decision at the toss.
Smith’s unavailability is a blow to Australia’s batting line-up, particularly with their struggles in the previous match. Smith failed to clear a fitness test and was seen briefly practising with a bandage or heat patch on his neck, suggesting his discomfort continues. Subsequently, Josh Inglis replaced him, taking a spot at No. 5, marking his return to Test cricket since December 2025.
Green is slated to bat at No. 4 and, though he trained as a bowler, will primarily contribute as a batsman following his recovery from an abdominal injury sustained in late September. Sadly, Scott Boland will not feature, despite a commendable performance with the ball and bat in the last Test. Lyon returns to the side, having been benched previously in favour of Boland.
In another reshuffle, Cooper Connolly, poised for his second Test, and Matt Renshaw, who moves up to open, aim to bolster the batting order amidst other adjustments. Following Nic Maddinson’s removal, the under-pressure Marnus Labuschagne maintains his No. 3 position.
South Africa, buoyed by their levelling performance in the series, have made just one change. Gerald Coetzee comes in for Anrich Nortje, who is sidelined with a groin injury. This match marks Coetzee’s return to the Test arena after a lengthy absence.
The pivotal Test in Cape Town holds particular historical significance for Australia, marking a return to the site of the infamous 2018 sandpaper scandal. Both teams face considerable stakes; a win for South Africa would elevate them to the top of the world rankings, while a draw allows Australia to retain their ranking lead.
The weather forecast for the match offers optimism with sunny conditions anticipated, potentially assisting seam bowlers initially before transitioning into a batting-friendly wicket, as per Australia’s captain, Pat Cummins.
Team Line-ups:
Australia: 1 Travis Head, 2 Matt Renshaw, 3 Marnus Labuschagne, 4 Cameron Green, 5 Josh Inglis, 6 Alex Carey (wk), 7 Cooper Connolly, 8 Pat Cummins (capt), 9 Mitchell Starc, 10 Nathan Lyon, 11 Josh Hazlewood.
South Africa: 1 Aiden Markram, 2 Marques Ackerman, 3 David Bedingham, 4 Temba Bavuma (capt), 5 Matthew Breetzke, 6 Ryan Rickelton (wk), 7 Wiaan Mulder, 8 Marco Jansen, 9 Simon Harmer, 10 Gerald Coetzee, 11 Kagiso Rabada.
