Australia reshuffles Test XI for Cape Town decider, sending home Maddinson, Harper and assessing Smith

Australia reshuffles Test XI for Cape Town decider, sending home Maddinson, Harper and assessing Smith

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Cricinfo reported on 26 October that Steven Smith will undergo a neck-fitness test ahead of the series-deciding third Test in Cape Town, and that Nic Maddinson and Sam Harper have been sent home to play in the Sheffield Shield. Fox Sports added that wicket-keeper-batter Josh Inglis is likely to be recalled for the match. Earlier, Fox Sports noted that observations from a Newlands net session had raised questions about Queensland batter Marnus Labuschagne’s place in the side, and Nine.

com. au suggested he could be dropped and the batting order reshuffled. The Age quoted coach Andrew McDonald saying Smith was still recovering from a neck injury and his availability remained uncertain.

Actors

Marnus Labuschagne Andrew McDonald Steve Smith Alex Carey Cameron Green Josh Hazlewood Scott Boland Beau Webster Cooper Connolly Matt Renshaw Nathan Lyon Nic Maddinson Josh Inglis Sam Harper Australian cricket team South Africa cricket team

Locations

Cape Town, South Africa Newlands, Cape Town, South Africa Queensland, Australia Australia South Africa

Articles

October 26, 2026
4 total
Australia makes three changes to Test XI for Cape Town match
Australia makes three changes to Test XI for Cape Town match

SEN • 26 Oct 19:56

Australia altered its lineup for the second Test against South Africa, bringing in Cooper Connolly, Cameron Green and Nathan Lyon while dropping Beau Webster, Scott Boland and Matt Renshaw moving to open.

Credibility 72% Manip. 8% Center
Smith's fitness to be assessed before South Africa Test decider, Maddinson and Harper released
Smith's fitness to be assessed before South Africa Test decider, Maddinson and Harper released

Cricinfo • 26 Oct 08:59

Steven Smith will undergo a neck fitness test ahead of the final Test against South Africa, while Nic Maddinson and Sam Harper have been sent home to play in the Sheffield Shield.

Credibility 78% Manip. 8% Center
Australia reshuffles batting line-up for third Test as Maddison and Harper return to domestic cricket
Australia reshuffles batting line-up for third Test as Maddison and Harper return to domestic cricket

Fox Sports • 26 Oct 08:20

Australia has sent Nic Maddinson and Sam Harper home to play in the Sheffield Shield and is likely to recall wicket-keeper-batter Josh Inglis for the third Test against South Africa, while Steve Smith remains doubtful with injury.

Credibility 68% Manip. 8% Center
Australia drops Nic Maddinson as Steve Smith's fitness remains uncertain for Newlands Test
Australia drops Nic Maddinson as Steve Smith's fitness remains uncertain for Newlands Test

The Age • 26 Oct 08:00

Opener Nic Maddinson was omitted from the squad for the third Test in Cape Town, while coach Andrew McDonald said Steve Smith is still recovering from a neck injury and his availability is not yet confirmed.

Credibility 72% Manip. 9% Center
October 25, 2026
2 total
Australia consider lineup changes before Cape Town Test decider
Australia consider lineup changes before Cape Town Test decider

Nine.com.au • 25 Oct 22:00

Australia may drop Marnus Labuschagne and adjust the batting order for the series-deciding third Test against South Africa in Cape Town.

Credibility 57% Manip. 9% Center
Questions arise over Marnus Labuschagne's Test selection ahead of South Africa decider
Questions arise over Marnus Labuschagne's Test selection ahead of South Africa decider

Fox Sports • 25 Oct 09:55

Observations from the Newlands net session and comments from team staff have intensified speculation about Queensland batter Marnus Labuschagne's place in Australia's line-up for the third Test against South Africa.

Credibility 58% Manip. 12% Center

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