Photo via Hindustan Times

With batting under scrutiny, Steve Smith returns to scene of his darkest chapter at Newlands

Steve Smith faces a critical return to Newlands, the site of the 2018 ball-tampering scandal, as he struggles for form during the current series against South Africa. The Australian batter has managed only 83 runs across four innings, hampered by both physical ailments and a recent dismissal for three runs against Kagiso Rabada.

Australia currently sits level in the series after a victory in Durban was followed by an innings defeat in Gqeberha. Smith previously enjoyed success at this Cape Town venue in 2014, where he helped secure a series win with an average of 67.25, but he will need to rediscover that touch to overcome his current slump.

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