Australia eye Renshaw for final Test

Renshaw is in contention to open alongside Travis Head as Australia prepare for South Africa showdown

Australia are considering a change at the top of their batting order for the decisive third Test against South Africa, with Matthew Renshaw in contention to partner Travis Head after Nic Maddinson struggled in the opening two matches of the series.
Maddinson, who managed only one score above ten in four innings following his recall to the Test squad, has been released alongside reserve wicketkeeper Sam Harper ahead of the series decider, which begins in Cape Town on Tuesday.
The potential change follows Australia's batting difficulties in the second Test at Gqeberha, where South Africa responded emphatically to their defeat in the series opener by securing an innings and 31-run victory.
Head has openly assessed Australia's struggles with the bat, increasing the prospect of a reshuffle as the visitors seek to regain control of the series and strengthen their position in the 2025-27 ICC World Test Championship.
Australia won the first Test in Durban by 214 runs before South Africa levelled the series with their commanding performance in Gqeberha. The third Test, scheduled for October 27-31 in Cape Town, will determine the outcome of the series.
Renshaw's possible inclusion offers Australia an alternative at the top of the order as they look to produce a more consistent batting performance against a South African attack that proved decisive in the second match.
Australia could also face a late fitness concern over Steve Smith, who reported neck stiffness during the team's match-eve training session. The batsman is expected to be available for the series decider, although he is set to undergo a fitness test.
Cameron Green and Josh Inglis are also available after recovering from their respective injuries, giving Australia additional options as they finalise their playing eleven.
Captain Pat Cummins will lead a 16-member squad that includes Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Green, Josh Hazlewood, Head, Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Renshaw, Smith, Mitchell Starc and Beau Webster.
South Africa have also made an adjustment to their squad, with fast bowler Anrich Nortje ruled out after sustaining a groin injury during the second Test.
The hosts will enter the decider with renewed confidence after their dominant display in Gqeberha, where they overturned the momentum of the series with a comprehensive all-round performance.
For Australia, the challenge will be to address their batting inconsistency while managing fitness concerns ahead of a match that could prove significant in the wider World Test Championship campaign.
With the series level at 1-1, both teams have an opportunity to finish strongly in Cape Town. Australia's decision over the opening partnership will be among the key selection calls as they attempt to prevent South Africa from completing a comeback victory.