Australia to reshuffle batting order for Cape Town decider as 2 players axed

• Australia’s selection plans have shifted ahead of the Cape Town decider, with two players released from the Test squad
• Steve Smith faces a fitness test as selectors weigh up further changes to the batting order
• Marnus Labuschagne’s place is under scrutiny, while Australia consider bringing experienced players back into the XI

Australia have released Nic Maddinson and reserve wicketkeeper Sam Harper from their Test squad ahead of the third and final match against South Africa, which begins at Newlands on Tuesday, 27 October 2026.

The decision leaves Matthew Renshaw well placed to return to open alongside Travis Head. Australia are also preparing for possible changes further down the batting order, with Cameron Green and Josh Inglis available again after recovering from injuries.

According to cricket.com.au, Maddinson managed just one score above 10 in four innings following his surprise recall. His second-innings 48 helped Australia win the opening Test in Durban, but he struggled in the subsequent match in Gqeberha.

Chief selector George Bailey acknowledged that Australia wanted more runs from the left-hander. However, he defended his selection.

“Performance-wise, would you have liked more runs? Yes. Did it allow us to set the rest of the team up the way that we wanted to, whilst we’re working with the group we have? Yes,” Bailey said.

Steve Smith fitness test and Marnus Labuschagne selection battle

Steve Smith is expected to undergo a fitness assessment after a neck problem restricted his training ahead of the decider. Coach Andrew McDonald remained optimistic about his availability.

“We feel like it’s going to be a pretty steep progression ... he should be available,” McDonald said.

Labuschagne’s place is also under pressure after scores of 37, 37, 14 and 39 in the series. Bailey acknowledged the batter’s difficulty in converting promising starts into bigger contributions.

Josh Inglis could replace him at number three, while Green is expected to strengthen the middle order.

Australia must also decide whether to recall Nathan Lyon to the bowling attack, with Josh Hazlewood having recovered from illness.

The series stands at one win apiece. South Africa won the second Test by an innings and 31 runs after Australia claimed the opener by 214 runs. The Cape Town match will determine the series winner.

Proteas suffer injury setback ahead of Australia Test decider

Briefly News previously reported that South Africa will be without fast bowler Anrich Nortje for the decisive third Test against Australia at Newlands in Cape Town.

Nortje sustained a mild groin injury while bowling in the first innings of the second Test in Gqeberha. Cricket South Africa confirmed on Saturday, 24 October, that he had been ruled out of the series finale.

Source: Briefly News

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