Australia are weighing several changes for the third Test against South Africa in Cape Town, with the batting order under close scrutiny. Steve Smith has had a restricted preparation because of a neck issue that flared up in Gqeberha, and he has passed 30 only once in the series. Selectors must also decide on Marnus Labuschagne at No.3 and on Scott Boland, who impressed in the second Test. Lyon could return if the pitch is flatter, though Cummins, Starc and Hazlewood look difficult to drop.
Sam Konstas has made a strong case for a return to the Australian Test side after two domestic centuries in a week. The 21-year-old scored 149 off 131 balls for NSW against Western Australia in the One-Day Cup at the WACA on Saturday. Days earlier he made 151 not out in a Sheffield Shield draw with Western Australia. His Test record is modest, with a 16.30 average from five matches, and his highest Test score remains 60, made on debut against India in 2024. NSW next play Tasmania in the Sheffield Shield in Hobart from Friday.
NSW opener Sam Konstas scored an unbeaten 149 off 131 balls as his side beat Western Australia by 78 runs in the One-Day Cup at the WACA Ground. It was his second century in a week, following scores of 71 and 151 not out in a Sheffield Shield match against WA. NSW posted 8-371, and WA were bowled out for 293 in reply. Sam Whiteman made 116 for WA, but the home side fell well short of the target. The 21-year-old, who last played Test cricket in July last year, is seen as a candidate for a Test recall.
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NSW left-hander Kurtis Patterson has posted his first century of the Sheffield Shield season, adding to his form in the opening round. Patterson finished on 117 not out against Western Australia. Former teammate Moises Henriques said Patterson is among Australia's most experienced batters for the Test against South Africa. Patterson said he had spoken with national selector George Bailey but that scoring runs was the only way to improve his chances. He has not played a Test since his last appearance in the Baggy Green more than seven years ago.
James Tedesco will return to the Kangaroos for his first Test in three years when Australia face Fiji in Brisbane on Sunday. He was overlooked for Reece Walsh in the World Cup-opening win over New Zealand. Walsh scored a long-range try and made a major tackle on Kalyn Ponga in that match. Tedesco said it is not a competition and that he is focused on his role. Mitchell Moses is out of the tournament through injury, and Tom Dearden and Sam Walker will form a new halves pairing.
Declan Meredith will start at fly half for the Wallabies against the All Blacks in Saturday's final Bledisloe Cup Test at Stadium Australia in Sydney. He replaces Ben Donaldson, who was ruled out with a minor upper leg injury after the All Blacks won 50-19 at Eden Park. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii moves back to centre, partnering Isaac Henry, after Len Ikitau was ruled out with concussion. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto will play his 50th Test, and the match forms part of a four-team match day at the venue.
Queensland's Xavier Bartlett and Western Australia's Jhye Richardson both claimed five-wicket hauls in a tight Sheffield Shield match at the WACA Ground. Bartlett took five wickets in WA's first innings, including two middle-order batters, and has six wickets for the match so far. Richardson bowled Queensland out for just 68 on day three, his first five-wicket haul in first-class cricket since December 2021. With a day left, Queensland need five wickets to win, while WA need 67 runs to chase 201.
Jhye Richardson took 5-19 to bowl Queensland out for 68 in their second innings at the WACA Ground in Perth. Western Australia needed 67 runs more to win from 201 at stumps on day three. The 30-year-old fast bowler hopes to earn a recall to the Test team after recent injuries. Aaron Hardie (48 not out) and Joel Paris (19 not out) put on 51 runs for the sixth wicket. Sam Fanning may not be fit to bat on Sunday after a suspected hamstring injury.
