Australia have turned to Cooper Connolly as they look to secure a series win in South Africa, with the young West Aussie among three changes to the Test side for Tuesday’s start to the deciding fixture.
Connolly and fellow WA star Cam Green are both set to return to the Test XI, with veteran spinner Nathan Lyon also recalled after he sat out last week’s defeat in Gqeberha.
Scott Boland is set to be the unlucky bowler to miss out, with Nic Maddinson and Beau Webster also out.
Marnus Labuschagne will earn another opportunity, while Josh Inglis appears to be on standby for Steve Smith as the batting ace looks to overcome a neck injury.
The changes were first reported by Seven’s Tom Morris, with the XI set to be confirmed at the toss of the coin in Newlands at 4pm WA time.
Matt Renshaw will replace Maddinson at the top of the order after he and Sam Harper were on Monday confirmed to be returning to Australia to play Sheffield Shield cricket.
Green is likely to slot in at No.5 for his first match of the series.
Boland was Australia’s strongest performer in their heavy defeat in the second Test, snaring a five-wicket haul and digging in for a gutsy extended knock with the bat as a nightwatchman as the tourists attempted to fight out a draw on the final day.
More to come
AUSTRALIAN TEAM:
- Matt Renshaw
- Travis Head
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Steve Smith
- Cameron Green
- Alex Carey
- Cooper Connolly
- Pat Cummins
- Mitchell Starc
- Nathan Lyon
- Josh Hazlewood