Steve Smith ruled out of Cape Town Test as Australia reshuffle lineup
Cricket Australia confirmed on 28 October that Steve Smith withdrew from the third Test against South Africa in Cape Town because of a cervical facet joint injury and said he will aim to return for the home series against New Zealand. Earlier, coach Andrew McDonald said Nic Maddinson and Sam Harper had been sent home to play in the Sheffield Shield and that a fitness test would determine Smith’s readiness. Team staff noted that Marnus Labuschagne’s place was under review and that the batting order might be altered, while Fox Sports reported that Australia was likely to recall wicket-keeper-batter Josh Inglis for the match.
Nine. com. au reported that South Africa posted 158 for one in the first innings after Australia chose to bowl first, and that Australia lost early wickets, including a duck by Labuschagne, prompting criticism of the batting line-up.
