South Africa secured a 176-run victory in the third Test at Newlands in Cape Town to win the series 2-1. They moved above Australia in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 standings. The visitors were bowled out for just 111 runs while chasing a target of 288 on the final day of the match.
"I've got no knowledge to the counter of that. So yes, we are planning for him to play against New Zealand, Test one in Perth," McDonald said. "I think first and foremost, it's understanding what's going on with the neck issue … What do we need to do to make sure it doesn't happen again and give him the best preparation that we possibly can? There will be Shield cricket, there's opportunities for him. He'll be well prepared for the Test match."
Despite looking comfortable during an initial net session the previous day, he struggled during a second batting stint and did not pass his final fitness test.
Pat Cummins Backs Steve Smith's Decision to Withdraw From Cape Town Test
"Steve himself was quite confident that he was going to get up … and he wanted to give it right to the last minute," Cummins said. "Unfortunately, he just didn't feel quite right. He knows his body better than anyone else. I was definitely disappointed – he's the best player in the world, vice-captain, and all those things."
"You would have seen what we saw early in that net session the day before. It looked really positive – but you never know how you're going to pull up from that," McDonald added. "All I'll say is the medical team and Steve gave it every chance, and that's all you can do. The next morning … he wasn't ready to play. He acknowledged that – and we do put a lot of trust into our players, in particular our senior players who know their bodies quite well. So that decision of Steve's I think was the right decision. He wasn't ready to go in that scenario."
Kagiso Rabada and Simon Harmer Dismantle Australia's Batting Line-up
Australia's batting unit struggled again after being bowled out for 99 in the previous Test. The visitors began their chase of 288 at Newlands on the fifth day but quickly lost control against Kagiso Rabada's new-ball spell. The fast bowler reduced them to 42/6 before they reached 60/7 by lunch.
Off-spinner Simon Harmer then took advantage of the deteriorating final-day pitch and dismantled the remaining batting order. He claimed 6/16 from 21.1 overs to finish with match figures of 10/120, his career-best performance, as South Africa bowled Australia out for 111 and sealed a 176-run victory.
Hence then, the article about steve smith expected to return for new zealand tests as andrew mcdonald breaks silence on injury concern was published today ( ) and is available on cricketaddictor ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Steve Smith expected to return for New Zealand Tests as Andrew McDonald breaks silence on injury concern )
Also on site :
- 3 Meteor Showers Will Light Up the Sky in November— and One Is Known for Producing Brilliant Fireballs
- 2026 was meant to be the Philippines’ year—yet the country remains stuck in an ‘recurring cycle of underachievement’
- ‘Teen Mom’ Star Tyler Baltierra Praises Wife Catelynn After Her 30-Lb. Weight Loss: ‘I’m So Beyond Proud’