Australia bowl first as Steve Smith ruled out of series-deciding Newlands Test
Australia bowl first as Steve Smith ruled out of series-deciding Newlands Test
Pat Cummins won the toss and elected to bowl first against South Africa in the decisive third Test at Newlands, Cape Town, with the series locked at 1-1 and the world No. 1 ranking on the line for both sides.
Smith fails late fitness test as Australia ring changes
The biggest selection story of the morning was the absence of Steve Smith. Cummins confirmed the veteran batter had attempted to test himself again before play but was not satisfied with how he felt.
“He underwent another test in the morning but was not happy with the result, forcing them to look elsewhere,” Cummins said.
Australia responded with four changes for the decider. Cooper Connolly, Cameron Green, Nathan Lyon and Josh Inglis returned to the XI, with Beau Webster, Nic Maddinson, Scott Boland and Smith making way. Matt Renshaw was promoted to open alongside Travis Head.
Cummins admitted dropping Boland was a tough call, comparing it to the decision to leave out Lyon the previous week. “It is a good selection headache to have,” he said, adding that the incoming players had prepared well over the past week and were eager to contribute. With the squad carrying plenty of Test experience, he believes the finer details could prove decisive late in the series.
Bavuma comfortable batting first
South Africa captain Temba Bavuma said he was happy to take first knock despite Australia's decision to field, backing his batters to navigate the new ball.
“We are comfortable batting first, with the wicket looking good despite the challenge expected from the new ball. He feels it should become good for batting once they get through that initial period,” Bavuma said.
The hosts retained the core of the side that levelled the series in Gqeberha, where Bavuma scored a magnificent 179. Their only change saw Gerald Coetzee come in for the injured Anrich Nortje. Bavuma said the pacer brings extra pace and maintains a crucial dimension in the attack, even though Coetzee has not played much red-ball cricket recently.
“He hopes they can put on a good display of cricket for the spectators,” Bavuma added, welcoming the sold-out crowds for the opening two days.
Pitch sets intriguing stage
The Newlands surface has been extensively worked on by the groundsman over the past month, with Cape Town's unusually dry winter delivering sunshine that helped harden the pitch. The surface initially carried around six millimetres of grass, which could have allowed the ball to grip and move, but further cutting and rolling has left it looking considerably barer.
Analysts expect good carry early, with patience required against the new ball before scoring becomes freer as the pitch dries. Spin could become a factor later, with the surface expected to hold together well.
“The pitch initially had a noticeable covering of grass, but repeated rolling has left it looking considerably barer. Experts expect the hard surface to provide good carry, although spin could become a factor as the match progresses,” the pre-match assessment noted.
Playing XIs
South Africa: Aiden Markram, Marques Ackerman, David Bedingham, Temba Bavuma (C), Matthew Breetzke, Ryan Rickelton (WK), Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Simon Harmer, Gerald Coetzee, Kagiso Rabada.
Australia: Travis Head, Matt Renshaw, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey (WK), Cooper Connolly, Pat Cummins (C), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.
Australia will be looking to recover from their batting collapse in the second Test and reclaim the series lead, while South Africa chase a home-series victory built around the new-ball threat of Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen.