Australia batter Steve Smith is expected to be fit for the third Test against South Africa in Cape Town. Wicketkeeper Alex Carey described him as 100 percent fine after finger and neck concerns in Gqeberha. With the series level at 1-1, Smith's availability and form carry clear weight.
Alex Carey Backs Steve Smith's Fitness for Cape Town
Speaking to Cricinfo, Carey said Smith will begin preparations for the Tuesday start and was due to have a hit on the day of the interview. He confirmed there had been some threats to the batter, but said Smith is ready to go.
The update matters because the third Test is a series decider. The winner will take the three-match series 2-1, and it also carries significance in the current World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.
What Carey Said
Yeah, no, Steve's going well. Spent a lot of time with him, as I always do. He'll start prepping for Tuesday. Today he'll have a hit. Yeah, I think he's 100% fine. He's impacted a little bit with his neck, but he's ready to go.
Carey also expressed hope that Smith converts his starts into big scores. That reflects the gap between his recent returns and the output Australia expect from him.
Smith's Injury Concerns in Gqeberha
During the second Test at St George's Park, Smith picked up a finger injury while fielding. He briefly left the field as a result.
On Day 4, he showed visible discomfort in his neck and missed some parts of the match. Those two episodes raised doubts over his place in Cape Town, which Carey's comments have now eased.
| Concern | Match | Reported Impact | Current Status |
|---|
| Finger injury | 2nd Test, Gqeberha | Temporarily left the field while fielding | No concern reported |
| Neck discomfort | 2nd Test, Day 4 | Missed some parts of the match | Described as minor; cleared to play |
Smith's Series Numbers So Far
The 37-year-old has struggled to make a big impact in South Africa. He has scored 83 runs across four innings, an average of 20.75 runs per innings.
His highest score is 28, and he has not reached 30 in any innings. That sits well below the output expected from a batter of his standing.
| Test | Venue | 1st Innings | 2nd Innings | Match Total |
|---|
| 1st Test | Durban | 25 | 27 | 52 |
| 2nd Test | Gqeberha | 28 | 3 | 31 |
| Series | - | - | - | 83 (avg 20.75 per innings) |
Reading the Numbers
Smith made starts of 25, 27 and 28 but did not convert any of them. His 3 in the second innings at Gqeberha was his lowest score of the series.
Carey's reference to the earlier starts and the hope for big runs fits this pattern. The issue is conversion rather than a lack of time at the crease.
Series Context: Level at 1-1 Heading to Cape Town
Australia won the opening Test in Durban by 214 runs. South Africa responded in Gqeberha, winning by an innings and 31 runs.
Temba Bavuma's century gave the hosts a strong position, and they made 425. Using damp conditions, the Proteas bowled out the Pat Cummins-led side for 99 in the first innings and 295 in the second.
| Test | Venue | Result | Margin | Key Figures |
|---|
| 1st Test | Durban | Australia won | 214 runs | Smith: 25 and 27 |
| 2nd Test | Gqeberha | South Africa won | Innings and 31 runs | Australia: 99 and 295; South Africa: 425 |
The Collapse in Context
Australia's combined total of 394 across two innings in Gqeberha fell 31 runs short of South Africa's single innings of 425. The 99 in the first innings was the decisive batting failure.
Smith's 28 and 3 formed part of that collective shortfall. A more stable top and middle order would be Australia's priority in Cape Town.
What to Watch in the Decider
Smith's fitness is now a matter of match readiness rather than availability. The neck issue is the main item to monitor, given that it affected his participation on Day 4 in Gqeberha.
With the series on the line, a single substantial innings from Smith could shift the balance. Australia will need that conversion after three starts below 30 and a low score of 3 from the first two Tests.