Pat Cummins and Steve Smith
Smith sustained a neck injury during Australia’s innings-and-31-run defeat in the second Test at Gqeberha, which levelled the three-match series at 1-1. The batter has endured a challenging tour with the bat, averaging a little over 20 across four innings, and had also taken a blow to the head during the opening Test.
“Hopefully, it all goes well and he’ll be there,” Cummins told reporters on Monday. Australia captain Pat Cummins is keeping his fingers crossed over Steve Smith’s availability for the third and final Test against South Africa, with the visitors prepared to give their experienced batter as much time as possible to prove his fitness ahead of the series decider in Cape Town. “But we just want to wait for that last piece of the puzzle before naming a team. Smith’s fitness is a key concern for Australia as they look to respond to their heavy defeat in the second Test and reclaim the advantage in the series. Cummins was full of praise for Smith’s approach throughout the tour, highlighting his involvement with the team and the positive mindset he has brought to the dressing room. The Australia captain added that Smith has remained engaged with the group away from the field, whether through playing golf or his regular morning coffee outings, and has continued to provide support to the team.
With the decisive contest at Newlands beginning on Tuesday, Australia are reluctant to make a final call on Smith until they have a clearer picture of his condition.