Overview
- Selectors reported on Monday that Cooper Connolly, Nathan Lyon and Cameron Green are set to replace Beau Webster, Scott Boland and Nic Maddinson for the third Test in Cape Town.
- Matt Renshaw is expected to be promoted to open with Travis Head while Steve Smith passed a late fitness test and is available for selection.
- Reports say Green will play as a batter only and Connolly will be used as a part-time spin option rather than picking a fourth specialist seamer for the dry Newlands surface.
- Scott Boland's omission drew attention because he stood out in the second Test and Maddinson, who had been recalled earlier on the tour, has been dropped and sent home.
- The final XI remains to be confirmed at the toss but the changes reflect selectors shifting balance after the heavy Gqeberha defeat and raise questions about Labuschagne's place at No. 3.