Live: Inglis replaces injured Smith as Australia elects to field first

With the series on the line, Australia returns to the scene of its Sandpapergate shame at the picturesque Newlands ground in Cape Town.

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Tue 27 Oct 2026 at 6:36pmTue 27 Oct 2026 at 6:36pm

Who will be the replacement for Smith?

Great to be here! From the sounds of things Smith won't play... so Inglis comes in and Labuschagne gets another chance...

- Jeremy

We know for sure that Marnus will be a lock if Smith is unable to go, heck, he might've been a lock anyway.

I'd imagine Josh Inglis is probably the man that comes in for Smith, you're right.

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Tue 27 Oct 2026 at 6:35pmTue 27 Oct 2026 at 6:35pm

Steve Smith still under injury cloud heading into finale

By Chris De Silva

The big talking point in between the second and third Tests has been the injury status of Steve Smith.

Smith hurt his neck during the first innings in Gqeberha and has undergone multiple fitness tests over the last few days while looking less than comfortable.

His latest came a short while ago.

Australia's playing XI will be confirmed at the coin toss in just about 25 minutes' time.

Tue 27 Oct 2026 at 6:30pmTue 27 Oct 2026 at 6:30pm

Welcome to the decider

By Simon Smale

So, it all comes down to this.

One of cricket's greatest theatres playing host to the final act of a play that has flipped from one way to the next across both stanzas so far.

It's got all the hallmarks of a thriller.

It's a pleasure to be here to talk all about it with you.

Hello everyone and welcome to the ABC Sport coverage of the third and final Test between Australia and South Africa!

The ABC commentary team are on location in Cape Town, and the blogging team are here with you into the night here in Australia.

My name is Simon Smale, Chris de Silva is here with me and Henry Hanson is also on hand to keep us all honest.

It goes without saying that it is a pleasure to be with you and I hope you enjoy the coverage.