Australia Await Steve Smith Fitness Update Ahead of Final South Africa Test

Steven Smith’s place in Australia’s final Test against South Africa remains uncertain as he continues to deal with a neck problem. Captain Pat Cummins has also hinted that Smith might not be completely fit for the series decider in Cape Town after the injury flared up in Gqeberha.

Australia have also decided to leave Nic Maddinson out of the Newlands Test. He will head home to join New South Wales for their next Sheffield Shield game, which starts on Friday. Smith, meanwhile, went through a fitness check at Australia’s last training session before the match.

According to reports, Steve Smith spent 35 minutes batting in the nets at Newlands, trying out different shots. He was seen stretching his neck several times, even after he stopped batting and took a break. This suggests that the Australian ace batter is looking good with the bat, however, he is still far from being 100% fit.

"I think he's been batting really well. In the first Test in that first innings I thought he looked in total control until he found the outside edge on one ball. From a team-mate looking from afar, he looks in total control of how he's going about his work.” said Australia captain Pat Cummins.

"So he's huge [for us]. One of the greatest batters we've ever had. You don't play 100-odd Tests [without] playing matches where you're not 100% fit. Hopefully that's the case this week. He's probably not going to be 100%, but hopefully he can compartmentalize that like he's done many times before with other things and he can come out and contribute like he does every week." added Pat Cummins.

Cummins then applauded the performance of Smith, saying he is fully committed to the team and is working hard to get back to full fitness before the start of the next Test.

"I'd say, first of all, he's been awesome this tour. 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.” said Pat Cummins.

"That knock [on the helmet] in the first Test, I think it knocked him around for a couple of hours, but then straight away the next morning he was back to his normal self and out there. I don't really want to speak for him because probably only he can answer, but from all my conversations, he's been great. He's been super invested in what's going on and very helpful for me out there in the middle." added Pat Cummins.