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Steve Smith suffers injury - (Source: AFP)
In a significant development, Australia star batter Steve Smith has been ruled out of the 3rd Test between Australia and South Africa. Smith’s much-awaited return at Cape Town will have to wait further as the Aussie great failed his fitness Test.
On Monday, October 26, Australia revised squad for 3rd Test, and Steve Smith was made subject to fitness. Notably, Smith has been carrying a neck cramp, which has ruled him out of the Cape Town Test.
Steve Smith Fails Fitness Test; Out Of Cape Town Test
In the 2nd Test, Steve Smith suffered a neck injury and had to bat through pain. The 37-year-old didn’t take the field in the 2nd innings and batted below his usual batting position because of the pain. In the past few days, Smith had a neck patch and tried everything possible to regain fitness in time for the 3rd Test.
On Tuesday, a few hours before the 3rd Test, Smith underwent a fitness Test and hit the nets. However, he failed to get clearance from the doctors. A report also mentioned that the right-handed batter did a treatment early in the morning, which worsened the issue.
Australia Make 4 Changes; Josh Inglis Replaces Steve Smith
For the series decider match, Australia have opted to bowl and made four changes to their playing XI. Josh Inglis has regained full fitness and has replaced Steve Smith in the playing XI. Notably, Inglis was also nursing a finger injury and joined the squad since 2nd Test.
Besides Smith, Scott Boland, Beau Webster, and Nic Maddison have been left out of the playing XI
Australia's playing XI for 3rd Test vs South Africa: Travis Head, Matt Renshaw, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey (wk), Cooper Connolly, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood
Notably, during the toss, Australia captain Pat Cummins also updated the fans about Steve Smith. "He had another little test this morning. He wasn’t happy and we had to look elsewhere," he remarked.
