Australia was hit by a major setback just hours before the third Test of the ongoing Ashes 2025-26, as Steve Smith was ruled out in dramatic fashion, forcing a last-minute change to the playing XI against England on Wednesday, December 17.
Steve Smith was ruled out on the morning of the third Ashes Test after suffering from nausea, dizziness, and vertigo-like symptoms, leaving the Australian team management with no option but to make an urgent call just before the start of play at the Adelaide Oval.
The timing of the decision stunned everyone, with the issue escalating rapidly overnight and into the match day. Usman Khawaja was brought straight back into the Australian XI as Steve Smith’s replacement. Just a day earlier, it had appeared highly unlikely that Khawaja would play another Test for Australia.
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Actually, the 36-year-old Smith missed Monday’s training session due to illness, raising early concern. However, he had trained normally on Sunday in Adelaide and even spent the afternoon playing golf with teammates at Kooyonga, which suggested the problem was not serious at that stage.
Even the Australian Test vice-captain Smith returned to training on Tuesday morning and was the first batter to enter the nets, showing his intent to be ready to play the third Ashes Test against England. However, Smith looked uncomfortable during the session and was later struck painfully in the groin while batting. The blow forced him to take a long break, making things worse for him.
Steve Smith is likely to return for the Boxing Day Test
During the warm-up before the third Test in Adelaide, the right-handed batter left the ground after batting in the nets and was seen having a serious discussion with the Australia head coach, Andrew McDonald, hinting at a possible tough decision.
Later, Cricket Australia (CA) confirmed that Smith was dealing with vertigo-type symptoms, ruling him out of the Adelaide game. CA hopes Smith will return for the Boxing Day Test at the MCG.
Cricket Australia (CA) said in a statement, “Over the past few days he [Steve Smith] has been feeling unwell, with symptoms including nausea and dizziness. 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.”
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The statement further reads, “He is being treated for a potential vestibular issue. 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.”
We're pretty lucky that we've got Usman Khawaja: Pat Cummins
Meanwhile, Australian captain Pat Cummins revealed that Smith had been unwell for the past few days. The star fast bowler also said that Usman Khawaja will take up the number four spot. Cummins is playing his first game in the ongoing Ashes 2025-26 after missing the first two tests due to fitness issues.
Cummins said, “Steve has been feeling a little bit unwell the last couple of days. 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, but we're pretty lucky we've got someone like Usman who can step right in. He's going to bat four.”
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