Cape Town, October 26, 2026 — Australia are hoping that experienced batter Steve Smith will recover from a neck injury in time for the decisive third Test against South Africa, with the three-match series level at 1-1.
Australian captain Pat Cummins said the team would give Smith as much time as possible to prove his fitness before making a final decision on the playing XI. The series decider is scheduled to begin on Tuesday at Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town.
Smith suffered neck stiffness during Australia’s second Test defeat in Gqeberha, where South Africa secured an innings-and-31-run victory to level the series. The veteran batter struggled to make a significant contribution in the match, scoring just three runs in the second innings.
