Maddinson dropped, Smith in doubt as Test series decider looms
Nic Maddinson has been dropped for the Test series decider against South Africa and Steve Smith remains in doubt for the Cape Town match.
According to The Age, Maddinson will not play in the Newlands Test starting on Tuesday and will instead fly home early with wicketkeeper Sam Harper.
Nic Maddinson has been dropped for the Test series decider. AP/Themba Hadebe
The axing of Maddinson follows scores of 0, 48, 0 and 8 in the first two Tests, after Australia’s selectors had made the shock decision to parachute him over to South Africa.
“Would you like more runs? Yes, so that’s OK,” said selection chairman George Bailey.
“Did it allow us to set the rest of the team up the way that we wanted to whilst we’re working with the group we have? Yes.
“We always talk about what do we see when we see players at their best. I think you saw a glimpse of that in the second innings in Durban (from Maddinson).
“With him going home, it was wanting to be clear to him it wasn’t a stopgap and that’s it, and it’s a discard.
“So, just being clear with he and ‘Harps’ – they were here for the right reasons, but more runs (are needed).”
Maddinson’s omission means Australia is in need of a new opening partner for Travis Head.
Matt Renshaw, who batted at No.5 in Durban and Gqeberha, is a strong chance of moving to the top of the order.
Cameron Green and Josh Inglis are available for selection, having recovered from their respective abdominal and finger injuries.
The Age also reports Smith is yet to prove his fitness after hurting his neck in Gqeberha.
Selectors appeared to be hovering the axe over Marnus Labuschagne at training in Cape Town, but if Smith is ruled out it could save the under-fire first drop.
Smith spent about 20 minutes batting in the nets two days out from the Cape Town Test.
Australia’s vice-captain is expected to have a longer batting session on match eve.
Coach Andrew McDonald said he was “confident” Smith would be available for the decider.
More to come.
