Australian head coach Andrew McDonald has backed veteran batter Steve Smith to return for the upcoming Test series against New Zealand. McDonald remains optimistic about the 37-year-old's future in the longest format despite Steve Smith's late withdrawal from the series decider against South Africa due to a neck injury.

South Africa secured a 176-run victory in the third Test at Newlands in Cape Town to win the series 2-1. They moved above Australia in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 standings. The visitors were bowled out for just 111 runs while chasing a target of 288 on the final day of the match.

Andrew McDonald Confident Steve Smith Will Return for New Zealand Tests

Speaking to the media after the series defeat, Andrew McDonald confirmed that Australia are planning for Steve Smith to lead their middle order in the four-match series against New Zealand. McDonald described the discussions as a "rolling conversation" but remained confident about his immediate availability.

"I've got no knowledge to the counter of that. So yes, we are planning for him to play against New Zealand, Test one in Perth," McDonald said. "I think first and foremost, it's understanding what's going on with the neck issue … What do we need to do to make sure it doesn't happen again and give him the best preparation that we possibly can? There will be Shield cricket, there's opportunities for him. He'll be well prepared for the Test match."

Steve Smith's neck problem flared up the previous week, and an MRI scan confirmed the injury after the team arrived in Cape Town. He received a pain-killing injection on the morning of the decider, but it failed to provide the required relief.

Despite looking comfortable during an initial net session the previous day, he struggled during a second batting stint and did not pass his final fitness test.

Pat Cummins Backs Steve Smith's Decision to Withdraw From Cape Town Test

Australian captain Pat Cummins admitted that Steve Smith's absence was a major disappointment. He also revealed that the 37-year-old remained hopeful of playing until the final stages of the decision-making process.

"Steve himself was quite confident that he was going to get up … and he wanted to give it right to the last minute," Cummins said. "Unfortunately, he just didn't feel quite right. He knows his body better than anyone else. I was definitely disappointed – he's the best player in the world, vice-captain, and all those things."

Andrew McDonald also defended his decision. The coach said the positive signs during practice did not guarantee that the batter would recover sufficiently by the following morning.

"You would have seen what we saw early in that net session the day before. It looked really positive – but you never know how you're going to pull up from that," McDonald added. "All I'll say is the medical team and Steve gave it every chance, and that's all you can do. The next morning … he wasn't ready to play. He acknowledged that – and we do put a lot of trust into our players, in particular our senior players who know their bodies quite well. So that decision of Steve's I think was the right decision. He wasn't ready to go in that scenario."

Josh Inglis replaced Steve Smith in the playing XI and scored a century in the first innings, while Cameron Green returned from injury at No. 4 and made 65 and 27.

Kagiso Rabada and Simon Harmer Dismantle Australia's Batting Line-up

Australia's batting unit struggled again after being bowled out for 99 in the previous Test. The visitors began their chase of 288 at Newlands on the fifth day but quickly lost control against Kagiso Rabada's new-ball spell. The fast bowler reduced them to 42/6 before they reached 60/7 by lunch.

Rabada claimed 3/14 in a five-over opening spell. He dismissed Matt Renshaw for a golden duck with the first delivery of the innings before trapping Marnus Labuschagne lbw for four three balls later.

Off-spinner Simon Harmer then took advantage of the deteriorating final-day pitch and dismantled the remaining batting order. He claimed 6/16 from 21.1 overs to finish with match figures of 10/120, his career-best performance, as South Africa bowled Australia out for 111 and sealed a 176-run victory.