Renshaw to Open with Head as Australia Make Squad Changes

Australia will have a new opening combination for the decisive Test against South Africa after making changes to their squad. With the series level at 1-1, Matthew Renshaw is set to open alongside Travis Head following the release of Nic Madinson.

Madinson's returns of 0, 48, 0 and 8 across the four innings of the series were well below expectations. He is heading back to Australia to play for New South Wales against Tasmania in a Sheffield Shield game in Hobart, starting Friday.

The squad has also said goodbye to wicketkeeper Sam Harper, who was added as cover after Josh Inglis suffered a finger fracture. Inglis has since recovered, and he is available to keep wicket if Alex Carey encounters any issues. Harper will now feature for Victoria against Queensland at the Gabba from Saturday.

Attention also turns to Steve Smith, who will take a fitness test following a neck injury suffered in the second Test at Gqeberha. Although he is expected to recover, head coach Andrew McDonald has said there is still a fair amount of work to be done before Smith can take the field. McDonald stressed that a positive development could still see him play.

If Smith cannot prove his fitness in time, Marnus Labuschagne is likely to retain his spot at No. 3 in Cape Town. With Cameron Green and Inglis also back from injury, the selectors have a number of options to consider as the final Test approaches.