Struggling Smith still in doubt for Test series decider

Cue the usual uproar from Scott Boland fans when he gets dropped for the third and deciding Test in South Africa.

The softly spoken Victorian fast bowler has amassed a sizeable following since his unbelievably successful debut for Australia at his home Melbourne Cricket Ground on Boxing Day 2021.

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Steve Smith remains in doubt for the decider less than two hours out from first ball.

The champion batter hurt his neck during the second game in Gqeberha and his fitness test on match eve did not go well.

According to cricket.com.au, Smith spent just over 30 minutes facing the sidearm thrower from batting coach Michael Di Venuto and looked uncomfortable throughout.

He stopped briefly to chat with coach Andrew McDonald and team doctor Leigh Golding, before returning to the nets and lasting only a few more minutes.

It’s expected Josh Inglis will take Smith’s spot at No.4 if the veteran is deemed unavailable.

We may not know until Pat Cummins confirms the XI at the toss.

Hello and welcome to nine.com.au’s live coverage of day one of the Test series decider between South Africa and Australia.

Australia finds itself back at Newlands in Cape Town for a Test match for the first time since the sandpaper scandal of 2018.

Of the players who featured in that infamous Test, five are back eight years on: Steve Smith, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon.

However, it has not yet been confirmed if Smith will play in this Test. More on that in the next post.

Enjoy the cricket!