Steve Smith has been ruled out of Australia's third Test against South Africa in Cape Town after failing a fitness test for his neck injury. The 37-year-old was given a chance to prove his fitness ahead of the match, which would have marked his return to Newlands since the 2018 Sandpapergate scandal.
Smith sustained the injury during his first spell at the crease in the second Test in Gqeberha, where South Africa levelled the series 1-1. Despite showing up with a large plaster on his neck, Smith was not deemed fit enough by captain Pat Cummins.
Cameron Green replaces Smith at No 4, while Josh Inglis, Cooper Connolly and Nathan Lyon earn call-ups. Matt Renshaw opens the batting for Australia, who won the toss and chose to field first.
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing