Australia delays XI naming as Steve Smith fights neck injury
Australia will delay naming their playing XI until the morning of the series-deciding Test against South Africa as Steve Smith battles a neck complaint.
Australia has delayed naming their playing XI until the morning of the series-deciding Test against South Africa in Cape Town. The team continues to monitor the fitness of champion batter Steve Smith, who is battling a neck complaint following a testing tour that also saw him hit on the head during the first Test.
With Nic Maddinson and Sam Harper already sent back to Australia, the tourists face a late puzzle over their lineup. Australian captain Pat Cummins expressed optimism about Smith's mindset despite his struggles with the bat on this tour.
“Hopefully all goes well and he’ll be there. But we just want to wait for that kind of last piece of the puzzle,” Cummins said on Monday. The skipper praised Smith's overall control at the crease and his remarkable ability to compartmentalise physical ailments.
Beyond Smith, the final composition of the batting order remains under close scrutiny. Marnus Labuschagne batted significantly later in the nets on Sunday, while Cameron Green is confirmed to play though his exact batting position is yet to be finalised.
Selectors are also weighing whether to bring in veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon. Such a move would require careful consideration regarding who makes way after Scott Boland delivered a superb performance in the previous match.
Returning to Newlands brings back memories of one of the Test side's darkest moments from the 2018 tour. However, Cummins noted that the venue primarily evokes excitement for a magnificent cricket ground rather than prolonged discussion of past controversies.