Steven Smith withdraws from decisive Cape Town Test with neck injury
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Smith ruled out as Australia stunned
Australia have suffered a huge setback ahead of the decisive third Test against South Africa after veteran batsman Steven Smith pulled out of the series decider at the last minute due to a lingering neck injury.
The withdrawal left Australia scrambling to reshuffle their side just before the toss. Captain Pat Cummins won the toss and elected to bat first; however, South Africa looked in dominant form with a rapid start to their innings, reaching 100 without loss by lunch.
Series on the line
With the series tied at 1-1, it is an incredibly important Test for Australia. Losing a player with over 11,000 runs and 37 centuries in Test cricket is obviously not ideal.
The injury was first mentioned during the second Test. Both Cummins and Andrew McDonald (head coach) were confident that Smith would be playing. However, Cummins did mention prior to this that Smith is well known for playing through the pain.
Smith played for a short period in the nets on Tuesday morning with a heat patch. He then decided not to play. Cummins confirmed at the toss that Smith wasn’t happy with his neck.
“Steven Smith has got to be hurting pretty bad to miss a one-all decider. He’s got that toughness in big moments,” former teammate David Warner said during the match.
Australia made four changes to their XI, the biggest reshuffle they have had in the middle of a series since the 2018 drama in Johannesburg. Josh Inglis has been brought into the side to replace Smith. This will be the second time Inglis has replaced Smith, after the same situation happened in Barbados last year.
Smith’s Difficult Tour: By the Numbers
| Detail | Figure |
|---|---|
| Career Test runs | 11,000+ |
| Career Test centuries | 37 |
| Series half-centuries | 0 |
| Series average | Third-lowest of his career |
| Tests missed in last 16 months | 3 (including this one) |
| Earlier absences | Broken finger, vertigo |
Setbacks in the tour
- Marco Jansen hit
- Concussion scare in Durban
- Neck injury affecting form
Key Takeaways: Tactical
- Loss of experience – Smith’s record means Australia have lost a very valuable part of their batting line-up. The batting was seen as a problem area, so they’re now relying more on their remaining players.
- Toss decision – Cummins went with bowling first, but they struggled as South Africa posted a strong score before lunch. Australia’s bowling line-up struggled in the first session.
- Late change – Four changes means they don’t have as much time to get into set roles. It also put pressure on them as they had to change late.
- Double stakes – A win will decide the series and who is the number one Test side.
What to look out for
- Australia – Australia will be looking to steady their batting. Inglis will be under pressure.
- Smith – Smith will have to take proper time to rest his neck injury. This is likely to be his last Test in Cape Town so it will be a quiet ending to a difficult return to South Africa.
- Series – The outcome of the match will determine the winner of the series and who is the number one Test side.
FAQ
Why was Steven Smith not in the team for the third Test?
Smith pulled out because of an ongoing neck injury he sustained in the second Test.
Who replaced Smith?
Josh Inglis, who replaced him in Barbados last year.
How many players were changed in the Australian side?
Four, the largest middle-of-the-series change since the 2018 controversy in Johannesburg.
What did Pat Cummins do at the toss?
Pat Cummins won the toss and decided to bat first. South Africa got off to a strong start and scored 100 runs at the lunch break.
What is on the line?
The series is now tied at 1-1, so whoever wins will become the number one test team.
How has Smith performed?
He has ended the series without scoring any half-centuries and has the lowest average of his career.
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