Australia Give Smith Chance to Prove Fitness Ahead of Decider
- On Monday, Australia dropped opener Nic Maddinson from the Test squad for the Cape Town series decider against South Africa, while veteran Steve Smith remains uncertain due to a neck injury.
- Maddinson struggled during his recall, managing 56 runs across four innings. Smith's fitness for the third Test at Newlands remains under a cloud after his training was limited to 15 minutes on Sunday.
- Chief selector George Bailey defended Maddinson, stating he "wasnt a stop-gap" and should return to Sheffield Shield duty. Coach Andrew McDonald said Smith faces a "steep progression" to prove availability.
- Matt Renshaw is poised to open the batting alongside Travis Head, while backup wicketkeeper Sam Harper returns to domestic duty. Cameron Green and Josh Inglis have recovered from injuries and are available for selection.
- Marnus Labuschagne remains under scrutiny after scoring between 30 and 49 in six of his past nine innings. Australia will finalize their playing XI following the team's final training session on Monday.
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South Africa select 'enforcer' Coetzee for Australia decider
Australia, meanwhile, are waiting on the fitness of key batsman Steve Smith, who is recovering from a neck injury. "He's the closest we've got to a like-for-like replacement for Anrich Nortje," South African captain Temba Bavuma said of Coetzee at his pre-match press conference on Monday. Like Nortje, Coetzee is capable of bowling at speeds of up to 150km/h (93 mph). And, like Nortje, bowling at high pace has led to lengthy periods on the sideli…
Australia give Smith chance to prove fitness ahead of decider
CAPE TOWN, Oct 26 : Australia will give key batter Steve Smith as much time as possible to prove his fitness ahead of the third and final test against South Africa at Newlands, captain Pat Cummins said on Monday.Smith injured his neck in South Africa’s innings and 31-run victory in the second test in Gqebe
Australia Release Maddinson, Harper Ahead of Cape Town Test; Smith Faces Fitness Test
Get latest articles and stories on Sports at LatestLY. Australia have released Nic Maddinson and Sam Harper from their Test squad to join their respective teams for the Sheffield Shield, while Steven Smith faces a fitness test ahead of the third and deciding Test against South Africa in Cape Town, reported Cricinfo. Sports News | Australia Release Maddinson, Harper Ahead of Cape Town Test; Smith Faces Fitness Test.
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