Australia leave Steve Smith out of South Africa decider

Australia left Steve Smith out of the third Test against South Africa after the batter developed neck stiffness, finalising the teams for the series decider at Newlands in Cape Town on October 27. Australia won the toss and chose to field first. The match result was not included in the reports available that day. Smith’s neck problem had affected him during the second Test in Gqeberha, and reports said he developed stiffness during Australia’s training session before the deciding match. Although Australia had considered his fitness ahead of naming its side, the published XI confirmed his omission. The reports establish the selection decision, but do not detail a medical diagnosis or the severity of the problem. Australia made four changes, bringing in Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Cooper Connolly and Nathan Lyon. Smith, Nic Maddinson, Scott Boland and Beau Webster were left out. Matt Renshaw was named alongside Travis Head at the top of the batting order, while Green was expected to bat at No. 4. The announced XI also included Marnus Labuschagne, Alex Carey, captain Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood. South Africa made one change to the team that won the second Test,...