Maddinson dropped, Smith under fitness cloud for Newlands

October 26, 2026 — 7:00pm

Cape Town: Nic Maddinson has been dropped and Steve Smith is yet to prove his fitness for the pivotal third Test against South Africa at Newlands.

Maddinson, a late call-up to the team who made three low scores out of four innings as an opener, will join backup wicketkeeper Sam Harper in flying home early, with Josh Inglis and Cameron Green back to fitness.

Smith, who batted briefly at the main session on Sunday, is still recovering from the neck injury that severely affected him in Gqeberha.

His fitness status may also play a role in what happens with Marnus Labuschagne. Inglis and Green are both strongly in the mix to bat either in the top three or further down the order.

Australia's selectors are due to finalise their team later on Monday around their final training session ahead of a game they must win to retain the top spot on the ICC's Test rankings.

Selection chair George Bailey said the panel would not be discarding Maddinson, and wanted him and Harper to return to Sheffield Shield ranks to make runs.

More to come

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