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The Running Story · 2 updatesOct 21 — Oct 27 · Developing· 29 facts on record

Steve Smith ruled out of third Test against South Africa with neck injury

Steve Smith has been ruled out of Australia's third Test against South Africa in Cape Town due to a neck injury. The batter aggravated the issue during training on the morning of the match and was unable to pass a fitness test. Australia have made four changes to their playing XI, with Josh Inglis, Cameron Green, Cooper Connolly and Nathan Lyon coming into the side.

Matt Renshaw will open the batting alongside Travis Head after Nic Maddinson was dropped. Green is expected to bat at number four in Smith's absence. The series is level at 1-1 after Australia won the first Test in Durban and South Africa won the second in Gqeberha.

Australia won the toss and elected to bowl first at Newlands. South Africa have brought in seamer Gerald Coetzee for the injured Anrich Nortje.

The story so far
  1. Oct 21Steve Smith reaches 11,000 Test runs in 226 innings

    Smith joined Ponting and Border in Australia's 11,000-run club during a difficult first innings at St George's Park.

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Steve Smith ruled out of third Test against South Africa with neck injury · the running story · CricHubb