South Africa and Australia prepare for series-deciding 3rd Test
- South Africa and Australia meet in Cape Town for the 3rd Test match.
- Anrich Nortje is out for South Africa, replaced by Gerald Coetzee.
- Cameron Green returns to the Australian side for the series finale.
- South Africa will reach No. 1 in the Test rankings with a victory.
- Steven Smith faces a fitness test for a neck injury before the match.
The third Test match of the South Africa versus Australia 2026/27 series reaches a dramatic conclusion in Cape Town.
Cricinfo reported that the series remains lopsided despite both teams having endured poor performances in the first two matches.
Squad changes for South Africa and Australia
South Africa ruled out Anrich Nortje for the third Test after he sustained a mild groin injury during the second match. Cricinfo confirmed that Gerald Coetzee replaces him in the squad.
The South African squad includes Aiden Markram, Marques Ackerman, David Bedingham, Temba Bavuma, Matthew Breetzke, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Simon Harmer, Gerald Coetzee, and Kagiso Rabada.
Australia sees the return of allrounder Cameron Green from injury for this fixture. Nic Maddinson dropped out of the team while Matt Renshaw returns to the opening position.
The possible Australian squad features Travis Head, Matt Renshaw, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Beau Webster, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, and Josh Hazlewood.
Test ranking implications for the series
South Africa will rise to the number one position in the Test rankings if they win the third Test. This result would add to their current status as the holders of the World Test Championship mace.
A draw in the third Test is enough for Australia to maintain their top-dog status in the Test rankings.
Player milestones and fitness concerns
Steven Smith, 37, faces questions about his Test cricket mortality as he deals with an ongoing neck problem. He requires a fitness test ahead of the third Test, having previously suffered a concussion scare during the first match. Smith has struggled in South Africa with an average of 35.28, which is lower than his career average of 55.29.
Aiden Markram remains a key focus for South Africa, having averaged 56.84 with three hundreds across seven Tests against Australia. Temba Bavuma is nearing a personal milestone, requiring seven runs to reach 4000 Test runs.
Kagiso Rabada needs four wickets to become the fourth South African to reach 350 Test wickets. Marco Jansen sits on 99 Test wickets, holding a bowling average of 20.8, which is the best by a South African bowler with a minimum of 2000 balls.
Pitch conditions and Newlands history
The surface at Newlands features 6mm of grass and is on the drier side. Temba Bavuma said the pitch could play similarly to the second Test.
Mostly sunny weather with relatively mild temperatures is expected throughout the match. Australia has won four out of seven Tests at Newlands since admission, but they have lost three out of their last four.
Selection dilemmas and historical context
Usman Khawaja has highlighted Australia's selection dilemma by noting that Matthew Kuhnemann has not been mentioned by people ahead of the match.
Only Steven Smith and Nathan Lyon from the current Australian squad were part of the team's series triumph in South Africa in 2014.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Series set for dramatic finish as Australia return to Cape Town (cricinfo.com)
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