Live: Aussies bowling first against South Africa after Smith shock
Australia is dealt a major blow on the morning of the final Test against South Africa in Cape Town as Steve Smith fails to pass a late fitness test.
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Key Event
Smith set to be ruled out of the third Test with neck injury
A huge blow for Australia just under an hour from the first ball with Steve Smith now expected to miss the series finale.
It remains to be seen who will come into Australia's XI.
Smith underwent a series of fitness tests in the lead-up and did another one this morning, but according to Fox Cricket's Mark Howard, this morning's test worsened Smith's condition, rather than improving it.
No Nortje for the final Test
By Simon Smale
By Simon Smale
South Africa's victory in Gqeberha was made all the more remarkable given that Anrich Nortje barely bowled.
He won't be bowling in Cape Town either.
The hulking paceman suffered a groin injury in his first bowling spell, and has subsequently been ruled out of the final Test.
The Proteas have not named a replacement in the squad.
Nortje had not played a red-ball match in more than three-and-a-half years before the first Test in Durban.
He proceeded to bowl an energy-sapping 40 overs in that match, which took its toll on the 32-year-old.
South Africa's options include bringing Gerald Coetzee, Corbin Bosch or Dane Paterson into the team.
However, given the Newlands surface's propensity to take spin, left-arm spin-bowling allrounder Senuran Muthusamy could be an option as well.
Key Event
What time is the first ball?
By Simon Smale
By Simon Smale
Here are the session times for this Test.
- Morning session: 7:30pm – 9:30pm (AEDT)
- Afternoon session: 10:10pm – 12:10am (AEDT)
- Evening session: 12:30am – 2:30am* (AEDT)
So, that 7:30pm start time is the case for New South Wales, the ACT, Victoria and Tasmania.
In South Australia, that start time is 7:00pm.
In Queensland, that start time is 6:30pm.
In the Northern Territory, we're getting underway at 6:00pm.
In Western Australia, the first ball will be bowled at 4:30pm.
*There is, of course, every likelihood that we play an extra half hour each day, given modern cricket's inability to cram 90 overs into six hours of action.
Who will be the replacement for Smith?
By Chris De Silva
By Chris De Silva
Great to be here! From the sounds of things Smith won't play... so Inglis comes in and Labuschagne gets another chance...
- Jeremy
We know for sure that Marnus will be a lock if Smith is unable to go, heck, he might've been a lock anyway.
I'd imagine Josh Inglis is probably the man that comes in for Smith, you're right.
Key Event
Steve Smith still under injury cloud heading into finale
By Chris De Silva
By Chris De Silva
The big talking point in between the second and third Tests has been the injury status of Steve Smith.
Smith hurt his neck during the first innings in Gqeberha and has undergone multiple fitness tests over the last few days while looking less than comfortable.
His latest came a short while ago.
Australia's playing XI will be confirmed at the coin toss in just about 25 minutes' time.
Welcome to the decider
By Simon Smale
By Simon Smale
So, it all comes down to this.
One of cricket's greatest theatres playing host to the final act of a play that has flipped from one way to the next across both stanzas so far.
It's got all the hallmarks of a thriller.
It's a pleasure to be here to talk all about it with you.
Hello everyone and welcome to the ABC Sport coverage of the third and final Test between Australia and South Africa!
The ABC commentary team are on location in Cape Town, and the blogging team are here with you into the night here in Australia.
My name is Simon Smale, Chris de Silva is here with me and Henry Hanson is also on hand to keep us all honest.
It goes without saying that it is a pleasure to be with you and I hope you enjoy the coverage.
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