Steve Smith will not have a redemption arc in Cape Town, the scene of the infamous Sandpaper Gate scandal in 2018, as the 37-year-old Australian batsman was not named in the team sheet for the SA vs AUS 3rd Test.
With the South Africa vs Australia Test series locked at 1-1 after two Tests, the series-deciding Test match in Cape Town had a huge build-up. There had been a particular focus on Smith as he returned to Cape Town for a Test match after eight years, a place where his actions in 2018 brought him a one-year ban as well as public humiliation.
The reason for this massive focus on the former Australia captain was also his fitness. Eventually, Smith missed out, and Australia made a total of four changes for various reasons.
SA vs AUS: Why Is Steve Smith Not Playing In 3rd Test Against South Africa In Cape Town?
Smith is not playing in the Cape Town Test because of a neck injury that he sustained during the 2nd Test match in Gqeberha. He has been replaced in the batting lineup by Josh Inglis, who will play as a specialist batsman.
Smith’s fitness had been a huge concern in the days between the 2nd and 3rd Test. In Gqeberha, he batted at No. 7 in Australia’s second innings and got out trying to hack Rabada.
A call on his participation or non-participation was left till the morning of the Cape Town Test. He had a net on the match day while wearing a heat patch on his neck and even hit the balls nicely. However, Cummins revealed at the toss, Smith didn’t feel right with his neck and suggested he be replaced in the playing XI.
“He wasn’t happy with how his neck was feeling, so we had to look elsewhere,” Cummins said.
A day before the match, Cummins eulogized on Smith’s greatness and importance to the Aussie team.
“He is huge, one of the greatest batters we have ever had. You don’t play 100-odd Test matches without playing Test matches where you’re not 100 per cent fit. Even though he is probably not going to be 100 percent, hopefully he can compartmentalise that, like he has done a hundred times before with other things, and come out and contribute like he does every week,” Cummins said on the eve of the SA vs AUS 3rd Test.
This is the third time Smith has missed a Test match in the last 16 months due to injury or illness.
David Warner, though, wanted Smith in the side even if he wasn’t completely fit.
Warner said on Kayo Sports, “Half of Steve Smith is a very, very good player. For a big game as it is, he would have tried to get up as best he could. Obviously, he’s in some discomfort, and if you can’t come out and perform at your 100%, and which he will want to give, especially given it’s a one-all series, it’s a big Test match. It’s obviously a big thing for him.”
Apart from Inglis coming in for Smith, Cameron Green, Cooper Connolly, and Nathan Lyon replaced Nic Maddinson, Beau Webster, and Scott Boland.
Cummins won the toss and elected to bowl first, citing some moisture in the surface. However, his decision has come under scrutiny as the Protea openers Aiden Markram and Marques Ackerman both went unbeaten to lunch at the score of 140/0.
The hosts, meanwhile, had one forced change, with Gerald Coetzee replacing the injured Anrich Nortje.
SA vs AUS 3rd Test Playing XIs:
South Africa: Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma (C), David Bedingham, Matthew Breetzke, Marques Ackerman, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Gerald Coetzee, Wiaan Mulder, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada
Australia: Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey (wk), Mitchell Starc, Cooper Connolly, Cameron Green, Pat Cummins (C), Nathan Lyon, Matt Renshaw, Josh Hazlewood
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