{
  "id": 16637613,
  "title": "Aussies give Smith chance to prove fitness ahead of series decider",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/26/aussies-give-smith-chance-to-prove-fitness-ahead-of-series-decider",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-26T16:44:05.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "SABC News",
    "slug": "sabc-news",
    "url": "https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/australia-give-smith-chance-to-prove-fitness-ahead-of-decider/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Australia plans to give veteran batsman Steve Smith ample opportunity to demonstrate his fitness before the third and final test against South Africa at Newlands, according to captain Pat Cummins. Smith suffered a neck injury during South Africa's second innings in the second test in Gqeberha, which saw the series level at 1-1 ahead of the decider in Cape Town, commencing on Tuesday. \"Hopefully, everything goes well and he'll be ready,\" Cummins told reporters on Monday. \"However, we'll need to wait for the final piece of the puzzle before finalizing the team. Cameron Green is expected to take the middle-order batting position, possibly with Matt Renshaw opening alongside Travis Head, with Nic Maddison having been omitted from the squad. For Smith, this would be a return to the iconic setting of his most challenging moment—captaining the team during the infamous \"Sandpapergate\" scandal that tarnished Australian cricket in 2018. \"He’s been outstanding on this tour,\" Cummins remarked. \"In recent years, particularly over the past 12 months, it seems he’s in a great space and thoroughly enjoys the game. He’s been actively involved in various activities, be it golfing or having morning coffee club. He’s been very engaged in the team's proceedings and supportive for me out on the field.\" Smith has amassed an average of slightly over 20 runs across four innings with the bat and suffered a head injury in the first test, followed by the neck injury during the second test. \"He seems completely in control of how he approaches his duties,\" Cummins stated. \"He's one of the best batters we've ever had. You don't play a hundred-plus tests without facing matches where you're not at 100% fitness.\" Cummins, who was part of the team involved in the Sandpapergate scandal and another infamous test in Cape Town in 2011, added, \"My first test experience was here. I was brewing coffee and we got bowled out for 47. So that was quite an adventurous start.\"",
  "summary": "Smith injured his neck in South Africa’s innings and 31-run victory in the second test in Gqeberha.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}