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Smith’s match-eve frustration adds to selection puzzle

The star No.4's neck issue that flared up in the second Test continued to hamper him at training…

By Josh Schonafinger · Cricket Australia

Published: Monday, 26 October 2026 at 8:11 PM

Key Things to Know

Steve Smith abruptly ended his match-eve fitness test due to an ongoing neck issue in Cape Town.
Captain Pat Cummins called Smith's fitness the last piece of Australia's selection puzzle for the series decider.
Smith previously suffered a blow to the helmet in Durban and neck troubles in Gqeberha.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Steve Smith remains an injury doubt for Australia's series decider against South Africa in Cape Town after abruptly leaving a match-eve fitness test. The 37-year-old batter was visibly hampered by a recurring neck issue during a net session on Monday, eventually dropping his bat in frustration before conferring with medical staff and team management.

Captain Pat Cummins described Smith's availability as the final piece in Australia's selection puzzle ahead of the third Test at Newlands. Smith has dealt with multiple injuries across the tour, including a helmet blow from Anrich Nortje in Durban and neck problems that arose during the second Test in Gqeberha.

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Smith’s match-eve frustration adds to selection puzzle

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