Australia will give Steve Smith every possible minute to prove his neck is right before the Cape Town series decider against the Proteas.
South Africa have the Test series all square and Cape Town is ready. The Proteas' innings-and-31-run win in Gqeberha leaves everything on the line at Newlands, and Australia are now sweating over the fitness of their most important batter.
Steve Smith hurt his neck during the second Test, and captain Pat Cummins says the tourists will give him as much time as possible to prove he can play. The final Test starts on Tuesday, so the clock is ticking, and the Australian camp is in no hurry to rule him out.
There is better news for Marnus Labuschagne, who is set to keep his place in the side. Nic Maddinson is the man to miss out as Australia reshuffle for the decider.
If Smith makes it, he returns to a ground where a series will be won or lost. If he doesn't, a South African side full of momentum will fancy their chances of finishing the job at home.
