Steve Smith ruled out of Cape Town Test due to neck injury

Steve Smith was a late injury omission for Australia ahead of the series-deciding third Test against South Africa on Tuesday. The 37-year-old had been set to play at Cape Town for the first time since the infamous 2018 Sandpapergate scandal.

Australia gave the veteran batter a final chance to prove his fitness ahead of the match after he complained of neck stiffness during pre-match training sessions at Newlands. Smith was later seen walking around the ground with a large plaster stuck to his neck.

Captain Pat Cummins confirmed at the toss that Smith failed his morning fitness test and could not overcome the discomfort. Smith had previously injured himself during his first spell at the crease in the second Test defeat in Gqeberha, where hosts South Africa levelled the series 1-1.

"He had a little try this morning," Cummins told SuperSport at the toss. "Pero wasn't happy with how his neck was feeling, so we had to look elsewhere."

Smith's absence forced four changes to the Australian starting XI for the series decider. Cameron Green returned to the side and slotted in at number four to replace Smith, while Josh Inglis, Cooper Connolly, and Nathan Lyon also entered the team.

Australia won the toss and elected to field first at Newlands. Cummins stated he was hopeful his batting lineup could bounce back after being restricted to a low first-innings total in their previous outing at Gqeberha.