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Aussies Confirm First Omission as Smith Doubt Lingers
Nic Maddinson will return home after 56 runs in four innings, while Steve Smith must prove his fitness before Australia finalizes its team.
- 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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13 Articles
13 Articles
Steven Smith availability in doubt for third Test vs South Africa; Australia release opener Nic Maddinson
Steven Smith faces a fitness test ahead of Australia's decisive Test against South Africa as he battles a neck issue. Nic Maddinson has been released from the squad after a poor series, with Matt Renshaw set to partner Travis Head at the top.
·Noida, India
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Australia reshuffles batting order for South Africa decider as Maddinson exits squad
Australia has released Nic Maddinson and Sam Harper from its Test squad ahead of the series decider against South Africa in Cape Town. Matthew Renshaw is in line to open, while Steve Smith’s fitness and Marnus Labuschagne’s place remain key selection talking points.
·Chennai, India
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources13
Leaning Left3Leaning Right3Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution38% Left, 37% Right
Bias Distribution
- 38% of the sources lean Left, 37% of the sources lean Right
38% Left
L 38%
C 25%
R 37%
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