Big Blow For Australia! Steve Smith Ruled Out Of 3rd Test Against South Africa

Steve Smith has only scored 76 runs across four innings in the ongoing Test series against SA (Credit: Cricket Australia)

Australia has experienced a massive setback as Steve Smith will not play in the series finale owing to a neck injury ahead of the third and final Test match against South Africa. Smith was supposed to have a fitness test prior to the pivotal match after experiencing neck discomfort during Australia's match-eve training session. But for the last Test at Newlands in Cape Town, the seasoned batsman was kept out of the starting lineup. During the second Test in Gqeberha, Smith was similarly affected by an injury that prevented him from batting for a long time, as Australia lost by an innings and 31 runs.

For the series finale, Australia has added Josh Inglis, Cameron Green, Cooper Connolly, and Nathan Lyon to their starting lineup. Green is anticipated to bat at No. 4 in Smith's absence, while Matt Renshaw, who has shown promise since rejoining the team, will open opposite Travis Head. As of right now, the three-match World Test Championship series is tied at one. After Australia won the first Test in Durban by 214 runs, South Africa decisively…

Original source: https://www.timesnownews.com/sports