Australia’s XI for the third Test features Matt Renshaw and Travis Head at the top, with Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, and a pace quartet of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, and Josh Hazlewood; South Africa’s XI includes Aiden Markram, Marques Ackerman, David Bedingham, Temba Bavuma, Matthew Breetzke, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Simon Harmer, Kagiso Rabada, and Gerald Coetzee.

Nic Maddinson has been sent back to domestic cricket after limited success in four innings since recall, returning to play for New South Wales in the Sheffield Shield.

Matthew Renshaw is a strong candidate to open with Maddinson potentially dropped, while Cameron Green and Josh Inglis are returning from injuries.

Clayton’s 104 for Queensland against Victoria signals future call-up potential, joining a season of strong run-scoring and a solid career average.

Alex Carey’s No. 6 spot is debated, with options to drop to No. 7 for a specialist batter or move Green or Inglis up, indicating a flexible batting order.

Cameron Green’s position at No. 5 versus No. 6, and the potential inclusion of Josh Inglis at No. 5 or 6, are discussed in light of form and fitness.

Marnus Labuschagne’s form is a concern, with a long run without a fifty raising questions about his ability to contribute essential scores.

Pat Cummins publicly praised Smith’s mentality and resilience, noting he’s in good form and valuable to the side even if not fully fit.

Steve Smith remains a fitness concern due to a neck issue, but training progress suggests he could be available for the Newlands clash; Labuschagne remains in the XI with Inglis as standby.

Sam Harper and Lachlan Shaw are potential T20 debutants, while Ollie Peake is the sole Victorian in the ODI squad, underscoring ongoing selection debates.

Discussion continues on team selection and batting order reshuffles, with Labuschagne’s form and Connolly’s potential higher slot in consideration.

Jack Clayton, 27, uncapped in Tests but prolific for Queensland, would require a potential batting-order reshuffle and carries risk due to no prior No. 3 experience.