Green returns, Smith out as Australia make four changes and bowl

Australia captain Pat Cummins won the toss and elected to bowl against South Africa in the series-deciding third Test in Cape Town, making four changes to the lineup. Steven Smith was ruled out after failing a fitness test due to a neck injury. Australia recalled Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Nathan Lyon, and Cooper Connolly, dropping Scott Boland, Beau Webster, and Nic Maddinson following their second Test defeat.

Green returns as a specialist batter at No. 4, while Inglis slots into the middle order at No. 5. South Africa made a single forced change, recalling fast bowler Gerald Coetzee to replace the injured Anrich Nortje. A victory for South Africa will see them claim the world No. 1 ranking, while a draw keeps Australia at the top.