Steven Smith has been ruled out of the third Ashes Test on the morning of the match in extraordinary circumstances, with Usman Khawaja earning a surprise recall just a day after it appeared unlikely he would play another Test for Australia.
Cricket Australia confirmed shortly before the start of play that Smith was experiencing vertigo-type symptoms, an issue he has battled intermittently in the past. The star batter left the ground during the warm-up after spending time in the nets and holding discussions with coach and selector Andrew McDonald.
Steven Smith sidelined with vertigo symptoms
Smith’s withdrawal capped a disrupted lead-up to the Test. He missed training on Monday due to illness but had trained on Sunday in Adelaide and even played golf with teammates at Kooyonga later that afternoon. Although he returned to training on Tuesday and was the first batter in the nets, he appeared below full health and was also struck painfully in the groin, forcing him to take an extended break.
“Over the past few days he has been feeling unwell, with symptoms including nausea and dizziness,” a Cricket Australia spokesperson said. “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.”
CA confirmed Smith is being treated for a potential vestibular issue, something he has experienced before. He is expected to be available for the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.
Captain Pat Cummins, who returned to the role after Smith led the first two Tests, explained the decision at the toss. “Steve’s been feeling a bit unwell the last couple of days. He gave it a crack this morning but didn’t think he was going to get up for this one, so he’s headed home,” Cummins said.
Usman Khawaja recalled and set to bat at No. 4
Smith’s absence opened the door for a dramatic recall for Usman Khawaja, who will bat at No. 4. Australia had previously left Khawaja out despite his return to full fitness from a back injury, with the successful Travis Head–Jake Weatherald opening partnership holding their places at the top of the order.
Khawaja has batted at No. 4 only twice in Test cricket, including during the first Test in Perth when back spasms prevented him from opening. However, the position is familiar territory at domestic level. In first-class cricket, Khawaja averages 53.15 at No. 4 with 10 centuries and spent several seasons in that role for Queensland in the Sheffield Shield.
The recall is particularly significant given Khawaja will turn 39 on Thursday, becoming the first 39-year-old to play a Test for Australia in 40 years.
Smith’s withdrawal continues an unusual run of absences. He has now missed two of Australia’s last six Tests due to injury or illness, including the opening Test of the West Indies tour in June following a finger injury sustained in the World Test Championship final. Prior to that, he had not missed a Test since the third Ashes Test in 2019 when he was sidelined with concussion.
Despite battling vertigo on several occasions since then, this marks the first time the condition has ruled Smith out of a Test match.
