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Coetzee Replaces Nortje as Smith Returns for Cape Town

By Drooid · Oct 27, 2026, 5:58 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

South Africa captain Temba Bavuma announces Gerald Coetzee replaces injured Anrich Nortje for the third Test.
Australia captain Pat Cummins says Steve Smith will be given time to prove fitness for Cape Town Test.
Matt Renshaw is expected to open after Nic Maddinson was dropped from the Australian squad.
Series tied 1-1, making Cape Town match the deciding Test as South Africa chase world No.1.

History

Historical Context

South Africa first claimed the ICC Test No 1 spot in August 2012 after a 2-0 series win over New Zealand, holding the rating for a full calendar year. The current Cape Town Test sees the Proteas, now World Test Champions (2025), chase that milestone again, with Australia fielding debutant Gerald Coetzee after Anrich Nortje’s injury.

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Story summary

South Africa captain Temba Bavuma announces Gerald Coetzee replaces injured Anrich Nortje for the third Test.
Australia captain Pat Cummins says Steve Smith will be given time to prove fitness for Cape Town Test.
Matt Renshaw is expected to open after Nic Maddinson was dropped from the Australian squad.
Series tied 1-1, making Cape Town match the deciding Test as South Africa chase world No.1.

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