Steve Smith ruled out of South Africa series decider with neck injury

Cape Town, Oct 27 : Australia have suffered a major setback ahead of the third and final Test against South Africa, with experienced batter Steve Smith ruled out of the series decider due to a neck injury.

Smith experienced neck stiffness during Australia's match-eve training session and was expected to undergo a fitness test before the crucial encounter. However, he was left out of the playing XI for the final Test at Newlands in Cape Town.

The injury concern had also troubled Smith during the second Test in Gqeberha, where he remained away from the crease for an extended period as Australia suffered an innings-and-31-run defeat.

Australia have made four changes to their playing XI, bringing in Josh Inglis, Cameron Green, Cooper Connolly and Nathan Lyon.

Matt Renshaw, who has impressed on his return to the side, will open the innings alongside Travis Head, while Green is expected to bat at No. 4 in place of Smith, according to the ICC.

The three-match World Test Championship series is currently level at 1-1. Australia won the opening Test in Durban by 214 runs before South Africa bounced back strongly to level the series in the second match.

The final Test will decide the series between the two sides.