India, Oct. 27 -- Australia will be without Steve Smith for the third and final Test against South Africa at Newlands in Cape Town after the experienced batter was ruled out of the series decider with a neck injury on Tuesday, October 27.

Smith complained of neck stiffness during Australia's match-eve training session and was scheduled to undergo a fitness test before the series decider. However, he was not included in Australia's playing XI after the team assessed his fitness on the morning of the match.

The injury concern had also affected Smith during the second Test in Gqeberha, where he spent an extended period away from batting as Australia suffered an innings-and-31-run defeat. His absence is a setback for Australia as they look ...