Australia name third different top order without Steve Smith in 64 Tests
Australia built substantial middle-order stands despite multiple top-order injuries and the continued absence of Steve Smith.
Australia posted partnerships of 126 between Matt Renshaw and Cameron Green and 145 between Josh Inglis and Alex Carey in the second Test against South Africa. The side named its third Steve Smith-less top order in the past 64 Tests after Smith was ruled out with a cervical facet joint injury.
Josh Inglis broke a finger in an ODI in Durban last month while Cameron Green tore an abdominal muscle in Potchefstroom a week later. Renshaw said the batters tried to build partnerships after the first two Tests.
Inglis faced spin on more than half of the 79 deliveries sent to him before the second new ball and scored 35 from 35 balls against Marco Jansen after it.
CricHubb Take
The middle order's heavy lifting will make it harder for selectors to drop either Inglis or Renshaw when Smith returns, even if both bat lower than their current spots.