Australia have been dealt a late setback ahead of the third Ashes Test, with Steve Smith ruled out just minutes before the start of play at Adelaide Oval.
The decision was confirmed by returning captain Pat Cummins at the coin toss, which Australia won before electing to bat. Smith had attempted to prove his fitness on the morning of the match but was ultimately withdrawn after failing to overcome illness.
“Steve’s been feeling a little bit unwell the last couple of days,” Cummins explained. “He came and gave it a crack this morning but didn’t think he was going to be up for this one. So he’s headed off home. We’re pretty lucky we’ve got someone like Usman who can step right in — he’ll bat at four.”
Cricket Australia later confirmed Smith is being treated for a “potential vestibular issue”, a condition related to balance, which has caused dizziness and nausea.
“Over the past few days he has been feeling unwell, with symptoms including nausea and dizziness,” the statement read. “He was assessed and monitored closely and was close to being available to play. However, given the persistence of symptoms, a decision was made not to proceed.
“This is something Steve has experienced intermittently in the past and is being managed accordingly. He is expected to be available for the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.”
Smith’s absence is significant. He captained Australia to commanding eight-wicket victories in both Perth and Brisbane while Cummins missed the opening two Tests, even striking the winning runs in Brisbane as Australia surged to a 2–0 lead in the five-match series.
Veteran Usman Khawaja was drafted in as Smith’s replacement, a twist that seemed unlikely just days earlier. The 38-year-old — who turns 39 on Thursday — had been omitted despite declaring himself fully fit after back spasms sidelined him in the second Test. His exclusion had raised speculation that he might already have played his final Test for Australia.
Khawaja has struggled to disrupt the opening partnership of Jake Weatherald and Travis Head so far this series, with the pair posting stands of more than 70 in both Perth and Brisbane.
England, meanwhile, face a must-win scenario. Defeat in Adelaide would hand Australia an unassailable lead and extinguish any hope of regaining the Ashes.
The match unfolded under a sombre backdrop. Both teams wore black armbands in tribute to the victims of Sunday’s shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, where 15 people were killed during a Hanukkah celebration. Flags flew at half-mast at Adelaide Oval, and a moment’s silence was observed before Australian folk singer John Williamson performed True Blue on the opening morning.
Ashes series in Australia 2025–26
Australia lead the five-match series 2–0
- First Test (Perth): Australia won by eight wickets
- Second Test (Brisbane): Australia won by eight wickets
- Third Test: December 17–21, Adelaide
- Fourth Test: December 26–30, Melbourne
-
Fifth Test: January 4–8, Sydney
