Australia were hit by a dramatic setback just minutes before the start of the third Ashes Test at Adelaide Oval, as Steve Smith was ruled out of the match due to illness.
The star batter withdrew on Wednesday morning after experiencing nausea and dizziness, linked to a recurrence of his previously known inner ear (vestibular) condition. Smith was seen leaving the stadium shortly before the toss, visibly distressed, as Australia scrambled to make a late change to their XI.
Khawaja Steps In at No.4
Veteran opener Usman Khawaja was recalled into the side and promoted to bat at No.4, replacing Smith in the middle order. Australia won the toss and chose to bat, with Khawaja slotting straight into a crucial role.
Captain Pat Cummins confirmed that Smith attempted a brief fitness test in the nets earlier in the morning but was unable to recover in time.
“He gave it a go today but didn’t feel right, so he’s headed home. We’re fortunate to have someone like Usman who can step in immediately,” Cummins said at the toss.
The team management expects Smith to recover in time for the fourth Test at the MCG.
Smith’s History With Inner Ear Issues
This is not the first time Smith has dealt with such problems. He missed a World Cup match in 2023, felt unwell during the Pakistan tour in 2022, and famously required medical intervention before scoring an ODI century against India in 2020.
Following discussions with Cummins and head coach Andrew McDonald, the decision was made to rest him as a precaution.
Lifeline for Khawaja
The development marks a sudden turnaround for Khawaja, who appeared to have fallen out of favour only a day earlier when Australia named their side without him. Back spasms had hampered his availability earlier in the series, and Travis Head and Jake Weatherald had been retained as the opening pair.
That combination remains intact, with Khawaja now reinforcing the middle order. The 38-year-old shared an emotional moment with batting coach Michael di Venuto during the pre-match warm-up.
England Unchanged Apart From One Switch
England made just one adjustment to their XI, bringing back Josh Tongue in place of Gus Atkinson. The visitors will bowl through challenging conditions, with temperatures expected to soar above 35°C across the Test.
However, England will take encouragement from Smith’s absence, having avoided the task of dismissing Australia’s most prolific batter.
Playing XIs
Australia
Travis Head, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Usman Khawaja, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Josh Inglis, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland
England
Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Will Jacks, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue
Ashes Series Schedule
- 1st Test: Australia won by 8 wickets
- 2nd Test: Australia won by 8 wickets
- 3rd Test: Dec 17–21, Adelaide
- 4th Test: Dec 26–30, Melbourne
- 5th Test: Jan 4–8, Sydney
