Steve Smith withdraws from deciding Test minutes before toss
Steve Smith pulled himself out of the third Test despite medical staff clearing him to play, frustrating the Australian camp.
Steve Smith withdrew from the deciding Test against South Africa in Cape Town just minutes before the toss, after arriving to test his fitness following a neck injury from the second Test. Australian medical staff had cleared him to play.
Captain Pat Cummins said Smith wouldn't be at 100 per cent, but the team had decided he was available. Smith changed his mind at the last moment, forcing Australia to make a fourth change to their XI.
Team insiders expressed frustration and anger at the decision, saying Smith was fit enough to play. At 37, this was a legacy Test match Smith won't get another chance to contest.
His withdrawal left the batting lineup weakened and likely influenced Cummins' decision to bowl first.
- 37
- Age
- Cape Town, Newlands Stadium
- Location
- Neck injury from second Test in Gqeberha
- Injury
Why it mattersA star player pulling out of a crucial match creates tension within the team and raises questions about his commitment at the end of his career.
AustraliaAustralia lost one of its best batsmen for a crucial Test against South Africa, weakening their chances in a series-deciding match.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 55 min ago
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