‘He’ll be fine’: Smith tipped to step up in series decider

Travis Head has backed teammate Steve Smith to deliver in the deciding third Test against South Africa in Cape Town despite recent physical struggles. The 37-year-old batter has endured a difficult series so far, suffering a concussion scare in the first Test and a neck issue in the second. Smith has failed to pass 30 in his four innings, leaving him averaging 20.75 across the first two matches.

Head expressed confidence that hostile conditions and potential crowd pressure at Newlands will bring out the best in Smith, referencing his successful return during the 2019 Ashes. Smith has a strong record in decisive Tests, including half-centuries in past series deciders against Pakistan and England, as Australia aims to break a 1-1 series deadlock.