&imwidth=800&imheight=600&format=webp&quality=medium "Ashes 2025-26: Here's why Australia's Steve Smith is not playing in the Adelaide Test")
Australia’s vice-captain Steve Smith was sensationally ruled out of the third Ashes Test on the morning as he left the Adelaide Oval even before the toss took place. Scheduled to start on Wednesday (Dec 17), the third Ashes Test saw the Aussie batter miss out due to the recurrence of inner ear issues. With him skipping the match, veteran batter Usman Khawaja has been recalled into the side and will likely bat at No.4.
Smith ruled out of Adelaide Test
"He came and gave it a crack this morning but didn't think he was going to get up for this one so he has headed off home," captain Pat Cummins said at the toss. "(We're) pretty lucky we got someone like Usman who can step right in."
Smith suffered nausea and dizziness symptoms leading into the third Test, forcing him to miss Monday's main training session. He was, however, not ruled out of the Adelaide Test and was in line for a fitness Test on the morning. He did give the fitness Test but was passed unfit and missed out altogether. With Smith missing out, Khawaja was given a reprieve and returned to the side. Smith is now expected to be fit for the fourth Test, which begins on Dec 26 in Melbourne.
What happened at toss?
Trending Stories
)
Why asking questions could be more important than memorising answers
)
Osama Bin Laden ‘planned’ to target India, CIA reveals dozens of declassified documents
)
'Iran won't surrender': Pezeshkian sends blunt message to US while attending BRICS Summit in India
)
BRICS Summit 2026: Global leaders of BRICS nations attend main open session
)
Celine Dion makes emotional stage comeback after six years: 'I'm so delighted to see you'
)
PM Modi and China's Xi offered to help resolve Russia-Ukraine war: Kremlin
)
Why dehydration is the hidden cause of travel fatigue on long flights
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet top 5 batters fastest to 3000 runs in T20Is
)
Top 5 places to visit in Goa beyond its famous beaches
)
'He is popular...': Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim's praise for PM Modi during bilateral meeting | WATCH
)
BRICS Summit 2026: PM Modi, Xi reach key consensus on ties, China to assume BRICS chairmanship in 2027
)
BRICS Summit 2026: Consensus on joint declaration, diplomatic win for India
)
Trump says Canada eager to reach a deal, it could come ‘fairly soon’ if Ottawa treats US farmers better
)
‘Partners, not rivals’: Xi outlines four point plan for stronger India-China ties
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why Chinese PL-15 air-to-air missiles use dual-pulse motors compared to European interceptors
)
Could staying indoors all day affect your health?
)
BRICS Summit 2026: PM Modi addresses Day 2 of 18th BRICS summit
)
Who is the smiling man beside Modi, Putin and Xi at BRICS Summit 2026?
)
800 million years old - Scientists discover 'fingerprints' of supercontinent Gondwana in ancient rocks
)
Why going digital does not always mean becoming more efficient
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why do air defence missiles explode near their target instead of hitting it?
)
Russian drone hits Warsaw-bound train near Polish border, Zelensky accuses Moscow of ‘deliberate’ targeting
)
War is making Russia stronger? How Ukraine is shaping Moscow’s next generation of weapons
)
Migration protests return to Portsmouth as rival demonstrations face off
)
From severe mobility problems to recovery: Madhuri the elephant’s journey of wildlife care
)
BRICS Summit day 1: New Delhi declaration adopted with full consensus, big diplomatic win for India
)
Did Iran President Pezeshkian touch feet of Hindu spiritual leader at Delhi event as shown in viral video?
)
9-year-old Chennai prodigy clears Cambridge IGCSE grade 10 exams
)
Why does your body need time to adjust after a long journey?
)
BRICS Summit 2026: PM Modi to hold bilateral with leaders of seven countries
)
Ramanathaswamy temple takes centre stage as PM Modi welcomes world leaders at BRICS
)
Houthis launch cross-border strike on Saudi Arabia as Yemen war escalates
)
BRICS Summit 2026: Chinese president Xi Jinping departs from New Delhi after attending BRICS summit
)
Why does your skin need protection from UV rays?
)
How does the loss of forests affect the way wildlife lives and moves?
)
IND vs AFG, 1st T20I: When and where to watch live streaming in India?
)
Why do wild animals need quiet places to survive?
)
Bigg Boss 20: Qazi Touqeer gets a special ‘rockstar’ moment from Salman Khan
)
Humans may lose control of AI: Anthropic CEO calls for slowdown, Altman, Musk back him
On the morning of the Adelaide Test, Australia captain Pat Cummins won the toss and opted to bat first. Travis Head (10) and Jake Weatherald (18) were the opening batters, with Khawaja coming in at fourth. Australia lost two early wickets as both openers were dismissed before the 10th over. Although a small partnership took place between Marnus Labuschagne (19) and Usman Khawaja (82), Australia again lost their way before lunch with two quick wickets.
At the time of writing at Tea, Australia were 194/5 in 50 overs with Alex Carey (48) and Josh Inglis (5) in the middle.
Adelaide Test Playing XI
Australia XI: Travis Head, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Usman Khawaja, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Josh Inglis, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland
England XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Will Jacks, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue
