Steve Smith was sidelined from the third Ashes Test in Adelaide on the morning of the game after experiencing vertigo-like symptoms, prompting a last-minute change to Australia’s playing XI. Cricket Australia revealed that Smith had been dealing with dizziness and nausea over the previous few days.
Although he cleared a pre-match fitness assessment, Smith was withdrawn just before the start of play. This led to Usman Khawaja being recalled to the side and forced a late adjustment to the batting order. After winning the toss, returning captain Pat Cummins confirmed that Khawaja would bat at number four in place of Smith.
“Steve’s been feeling a bit unwell the last couple of days,” Cummins said at the toss. “He came and gave it a crack this morning, but didn’t think he was going get up for this one. So he’s headed off home. Pretty lucky we’ve got someone like Usman who can step right in. Usman will be at number 4.”
Cricket Australia stated that Smith was “close to being fit to play,” but the ongoing symptoms prompted medical staff to advise against him taking the field. The board termed the issue a possible vestibular condition, related to inner-ear balance, which Smith has dealt with on and off in the past and is being managed carefully.
Steve Smith Leaves Ground After Disrupted Build-Up Ahead Of Test
After being ruled out, Smith left the ground. The development follows a disrupted lead-up for the experienced batter. Smith skipped training on Monday, returned to the nets the next day, and did not look at his best. During that session, he was also hit in the groin, forcing him to take an extended break and further clouding his match readiness.
Australia, however, maintained that the situation looks encouraging beyond the Adelaide Test. Cricket Australia indicated that Steve Smith is likely to be available for the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, implying the issue is being viewed as a temporary medical setback rather than something that could define the series.
He will continue to be monitored with daily medical assessments. From Australia’s perspective, the timing could not have been more inconvenient. While Khawaja’s inclusion brings experience and balance, it also meant reshuffling established roles on the morning of a high-profile match.
Smith’s absence places added pressure on the senior batters to weather the early phases and steady the innings, while Cummins’ return as captain introduced another adjustment on a day that began with last-minute changes in the dressing room.
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