Australia's Steve Smith Ruled Out of Series Decider Against South Africa

Australia's chances in the third and final Test against South Africa have been dealt a blow with the news that star batter Steve Smith will miss the series decider due to a neck injury, the International Cricket Council (ICC) reported.

The injury had been a concern for Smith since Australia's training session on the eve of the match, and he was set to undergo a fitness test before the game.

However, Smith was not included in the playing XI for the final Test at Newlands in Cape Town.

Smith had struggled with the injury during the second Test in Gqeberha, where he did not bat for an extended period in Australia's innings-and-31-run defeat.

In his place, Australia have made four changes to their lineup, with Josh Inglis, Cameron Green, Cooper Connolly, and Nathan Lyon coming into the team.

Matt Renshaw will open with Travis Head, while Green will bat at number four.

The World Test Championship series is currently tied at 1-1, with Australia winning the first Test in Durban by 214 runs before South Africa responded strongly in the second match.

Background 
Australia and South Africa have a long and storied cricketing history, with the two teams having played numerous thrilling matches over the years.

The series decider is expected to be a closely contested encounter, with both teams eager to emerge victorious.