Australia captain Pat Cummins is keeping his fingers crossed over Steve Smith’s availability for the third and final Test against South Africa, with the visitors prepared to give their experienced batter as much time as possible to prove his fitness ahead of the series decider in Cape Town.Smith sustained a neck injury during Australia’s innings-and-31-run defeat in the second Test at Gqeberha, which levelled the three-match series at 1-1. With the decisive contest at Newlands beginning on Tuesday, Australia are reluctant to make a final call on Smith until they have a clearer picture of his condition.“Hopefully, it all goes well and he’ll be there,” Cummins told reporters on Monday. “But we just want to wait for that last piece of the puzzle before naming a team.”Smith’s fitness is a key concern for Australia as they look to respond to their heavy defeat in the second Test and reclaim the advantage in the series. The batter has endured a challenging tour with the bat, averaging a little over 20 across four innings, and had also taken a blow to the head during the opening Test.
Cummins backs Smith amid fitness concerns
Cummins was full of praise for Smith’s approach throughout the tour, highlighting his involvement with the team and the positive mindset he has brought to the dressing room.“He’s been awesome this tour,” Cummins said. “In the last couple of years, probably particularly the last 12 months, it feels like he’s in a really good place and he’s enjoying his cricket.”The Australia captain added that Smith has remained engaged with the group away from the field, whether through playing golf or his regular morning coffee outings, and has continued to provide support to the team.“He’s been super invested in what’s going on and very helpful for me out in the middle,” Cummins said.The Australian skipper also underlined Smith’s stature in the game, pointing out that even the finest batters have to contend with injuries and physical setbacks over the course of long international careers.“He looks in total control of how he’s going about his work. He’s one of the greatest batters we’ve ever had. You don’t play 100-odd Tests without matches where you’re not 100% fit,” Cummins added.
Cameron Green set for middle-order role as Australia weigh options
Cummins indicated that Cameron Green would preferably bat in the middle order, a decision that could see Matt Renshaw open alongside Travis Head. The possibility has gained traction after Nic Maddinson was dropped from the squad. The team management’s decision on Smith is therefore likely to be one of the most closely watched developments ahead of the toss.
