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Multiple blows cast doubt on Steve Smith's chances to play in the final match of the ongoing Three-match Test series between South Africa and Australia. The series is currently in well balance after first two games, as both of the teams secures one win each. The team which will win the third match, will win the series by 2-1.
Ahead of the South Africa vs Australia 3rd Test in Cape Town, Australian National Cricket Team wicketkeeper, Alex Carey, provided crucial updates on Smith's fitness. Will Smith be able to play in Cape Town after receiving multiple blows in the second match? Carey was optimistic to see the superstar batter playing in the series decider.
Alex Carey on Steve Smith's fitness ahead of SA vs AUS 3rd Test
Alex Carey told Cricinfo that Steve Smith is doing well and will start his preparations for the third Test soon. Carey confirmed that there were some threats to the batter, but as of now, Smith is absolutely fine and all set to feature for Australia in the crucial match of the ongoing cycle of the World Test Championship (WTC).
"Yeah, no, Steve's going well. Spent a lot of time with him, as I always do. He'll start prepping for Tuesday. Today he'll have a hit. Yeah, I think he's 100% fine. Yeah, looking forward to seeing Steve get out there and play and hopefully score. You know, the big runs we've seen him do. He's had a couple of starts. You know, he's impacted a little bit with his neck, but he's ready to go," Carey informed.
Steve Smith is “100 percent fine” for the third Test, says Alex Carey 💪 https://t.co/aIqhN1XzAJ
— Cricinfo (@cricinfo) October 25, 2026
Steve Smith endured multiple injury threats in Gqeberha
During the second Test match, which was at the St George's Park in Gqeberha, Steve Smith picked up a finger injury while fielding, forcing him to temporarily walk off the ground. Later in the same match in Gqeberha, on Day 4, he had some visible discomfort in his neck, which forced him to miss some parts of the match.
The 37-year-old has been struggling to show his best in the series in South Africa. In the first match, which was in Durban, Smith returned with 25 and 27, and in the following match, Steve Smith claimed only 28 and 3 in the first and second innings.
South Africa defeated Australia by an innings in Gqeberha
South Africa made a brilliant bounce in the series after being defeated in the first match. Australia won the first match in Durban by a massive 214-run margin. In the next game, Temba Bavuma's century put South Africa in a strong position, and they claimed 425 runs in their second innings.
Within a very limited time span, utilising the damp conditions, the Proteas bundled the Pat Cummins-led side for 99 runs in the first innings, and then they restricted the Aussies to 295 runs in the second. Therefore, the Proteas won the second Test by an innings and 31 runs and made the three-match series scoreline 1-1, with one more match to go.
