Australia make multiple changes to squad for Test series decider against South Africa in Cape Town

Australia have released Nic Maddinson and Sam Harper from their squad for the Test series decider against South Africa in Cape Town. Maddinson, who managed scores of 0, 48, 0 and 8 across the four innings of the two Tests, has been asked to fly back home and be available to represent his state side, New South Wales, for their next Sheffield Shield game starting Friday (October 30).

Harper, who was added to the squad as a backup wicketkeeping option for Alex Carey after Josh Inglis suffered a fractured finger, has also been released from the squad. He will now be available for Victoria's next Sheffield Shield match against Queensland, starting on Saturday. Inglis has fully recovered from his injury and will be available to resume wicketkeeping duties should Carey encounter any issues.

Maddinson's omission means Australia could promote Matt Renshaw to open alongside Travis Head. The hosts are also monitoring Steve Smith's fitness after he sustained a neck injury during the second Test in Gqeberha. According to an ESPNcricinfo report, Smith batted for only 15 minutes against sidearm throws from batting coach Michael Di Venuto. He will need to prove his fitness to secure a place in the XI for the series decider.

"We feel like it's going to be a pretty steep progression in terms of whether he should be available," head coach Andrew McDonald said. "But if we're surprised today, you'll see that play out."

Australia Squad: Travis Head, Matt Renshaw, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Beau Webster, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Cooper Connolly, Matthew Kuhnemann, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser

South Africa Squad: Aiden Markram, Marques Ackerman, David Bedingham, Temba Bavuma (c), Matthew Breetzke, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Simon Harmer, Kagiso Rabada, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj, Corbin Bosch, Senuran Muthusamy, Dane Paterson, Kyle Verreynne