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The Australia National Cricket Team will make at least one change to their playing XI for the third and final Test against the South Africa National Cricket Team in Cape Town, starting on October 27.
Nic Maddinson has been released from the squad after failing to make an impact with the bat, while backup wicketkeeper Sam Harper has also been sent back to domestic cricket. Earlier, Alex Carey revealed Steve Smith’s fitness status ahead of the series-deciding Test vs South Africa.
Australia drop Nic Maddinson and Sam Harper ahead of Cape Town Test, Matthew Renshaw to open
Australia have released Nic Maddinson and Sam Harper from the Test squad ahead of the third and final Test against South Africa. Both players will return home to take part in the next round of the Sheffield Shield. Maddinson was shown the door after his flop show in the first two Tests.
Maddinson managed to cross 10 runs only once in four innings since his surprise return to the Australia National Cricket Team. The 34-year-old will now join New South Wales for their Sheffield Shield match against Tasmania in Hobart.
On the other hand, Sam Harper will also return to Victoria for their Sheffield Shield match against Queensland at the Gabba. He had been included as backup for wicketkeeper Alex Carey while Inglis recovered from a broken finger.
Matthew Renshaw is now likely to open the batting in the three-match Test series decider between Australia and South Africa in Cape Town. Amid this, Usman Khawaja reveals health secret he hid from teammates throughout his career.
Steve Smith to undergo fitness test on his neck; Cameron Green and Josh Inglis ready for Test series decider
Meanwhile, Steve Smith will undergo a fitness test on his neck during the team's final training session before the Cape Town Test match. The Australian batting star struggled with a stiff neck during the Gqeberha Test, but he is expected to play in the series decider.
However, Smith’s availability could impact Marnus Labuschagne's place in the XI. Well, star all-rounder Cameron Green and wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis are fully fit and available for selection for the final Test against South Africa in Cape Town.
While Green has recovered from an abdominal strain, Inglis is back after recovering from a finger injury. Their return gives Australia more options but a big selection dilemma while picking the playing XI for the crucial series decider at Cape Town.
Australia’s updated squad for the 3rd Test:
Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Beau Webster
Australia’s WTC top spot under threat after recent setbacks
Meanwhile, Australia remain at the top of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) standings despite losing three of their last six Test matches. But Australia need to keep winning to protect their top position to qualify for the WTC Final next year.
South Africa have slipped to third place after losing the first Test, with New Zealand moving ahead of them into second spot. However, South Africa remain in a strong position to reach the 2027 WTC final, with home series against Bangladesh and England still to come.
