Australia's first-innings bowling choice slammed as South Africa surge in Cape Town
Former players and commentators criticised Australia's decision to bowl first after South Africa posted 158 for one in the first innings of the third Test at Newlands, Cape Town on 27 October. Fox Sports reported that observations from a Newlands net session and comments from team staff had intensified speculation over Queensland batter Marnus Labuschagne's place in the line-up for the third Test. Nine. com.
au later suggested Australia might drop Labuschagne and adjust the batting order ahead of the match. The Age said opener Nic Maddinson was omitted from the squad and coach Andrew McDonald noted that Steve Smith's fitness remained uncertain because of a neck injury. Cricinfo added that Smith would undergo a neck fitness test before the decider and that Maddinson and Sam Harper had been sent home to play in the Sheffield Shield, with wicket-keeper-batter Josh Inglis likely to be recalled.
