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Smith out of third Test as Australia bowl first

Josh Inglis replaces Smith in one of four changes to the Australian side, and Nic Maddinson has already flown home; the series is level at one-one.

On air: Rex "Two-Point" Gridley and Vera Bullock on Wake Up, America
Published 5:31 AM ET, Tuesday, October 27, 2026

At a glance

First reported by Yahoo Sports: “Steve Smith ruled out of third Test with neck injury in huge blow for Australia”, with reporting from cricket.com.au.
Covered on BBN on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at 5:31 AM ET on Wake Up, America, by Rex "Two-Point" Gridley and Vera Bullock.
Topics: South Africa, Smith, Australia.
BBN covered this story before: Blake Griffin calls Stephen A. Smith's Pokémon takes a gimmick (October 26).

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

Yahoo SportsSteve Smith ruled out of third Test with neck injury in huge blow for Australia
Yahoo SportsCummins wins toss and bowls as Australia and South Africa face series-deciding third cricket test
cricket.com.auSmith ruled out as Australia make four changes October 27, 2026 · facts used on air

Rex "Two-Point" Gridley · Sports AnchorAustralia has lost Steve Smith for the series decider in Cape Town, after he failed a late fitness test on his neck about an hour before the toss.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorIs a neck test like a pageant interview, where you just have to turn your head and smile?
Rex "Two-Point" Gridley · Sports AnchorSort of, except nobody gets a sash.
Rex "Two-Point" Gridley · Sports AnchorJosh Inglis comes in for him, Pat Cummins won the toss and chose to bowl, and the series is level at one win each after Australia won by two hundred fourteen runs in Durban.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorLevel means tied, right? Nobody has the trophy yet?