Adelaide, 17 December 2025
Australia were forced into a late change ahead of the pivotal third Ashes Test against England on Wednesday, with Steve Smith ruled out on the morning of the match after experiencing nausea and dizziness.
Smith, 36, was replaced in the playing XI by Usman Khawaja, who had been omitted when Australia named their team on Tuesday. Smith had missed training on Monday due to illness and was later struck in the groin while batting in the nets on Tuesday morning.
Cricket Australia said Smith had been closely monitored and was close to being declared fit, but the persistence of his symptoms led to a cautious decision.
“Over the past few days he has been feeling unwell, with symptoms including nausea and dizziness,” Cricket Australia said in a statement. “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.
“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.”
Smith was seen on the outfield at Adelaide Oval before the start of play but left the ground before the toss.
“Steve has been feeling a little bit unwell over the past couple of days,” Australia captain Pat Cummins said.
“He gave it a crack this morning, but didn’t think he was going to get up for this one. He’s headed off home. We’re pretty lucky we’ve got someone like Usman who can step right in.”
Khawaja comes into the side to bat at No. 4. The left-hander, who turns 39 on the second day of the Test, had been sidelined by a back complaint that prevented him from opening in the first Test and later ruled him out of the second.
Australia lead the five-match series 2-0 and will retain the Ashes if they avoid defeat in Adelaide. The hosts won the toss and chose to bat first. Cummins returned to captain the side after Smith had led Australia to victories in the first two Tests.
Smith’s absence is a major blow. Only Sir Donald Bradman has scored more runs for Australia in Ashes Tests. While Smith missed Australia’s opening Test against West Indies in June with a broken finger, this is his first home Test absence since serving a ban in 2019 for his role in the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa.
Khawaja’s recall came as a surprise after his omission earlier in the week appeared to signal the end of his Test career. In his absence, Travis Head and Jake Weatherald have formed a promising opening partnership.
Khawaja had batted at No. 4 in the first innings of the opening Test in Perth after moving down the order due to back spasms. The last time he was listed to bat regularly in the middle order was during the Sydney Ashes Test in 2022, when he scored centuries in both innings batting at No. 5.
