Smith left out of Australia XI for Cape Town Test

Australia left Steve Smith out of the third Test against South Africa in Cape Town on October 27 after the batter failed to overcome a neck complaint. Captain Pat Cummins confirmed the omission at the toss, with Josh Inglis named in Smith’s place for the series decider at Newlands Cricket Ground. The Australians made four changes to their XI. Cameron Green returned after recovering from an abdominal strain, replacing Nic Maddinson; Nathan Lyon came in for Scott Boland; and Cooper Connolly replaced Beau Webster. Inglis took Smith’s place. Cummins won the toss and elected to bowl. Smith had neck stiffness dating back to the second Test in Gqeberha, according to reports about Australia’s preparations. He had limited batting practice in the days before the Cape Town match and attempted a net session on the morning of play, but was not selected. Cummins had said before the match that Smith was not expected to be fully fit, while expressing hope he could still contribute if chosen. The three-match series was level at 1-1 entering the decider. Australia won the opening Test in Durban by 214 runs; South Africa levelled the series with an innings-and-31-run victory in Gqeberha. The...