A dramatic health crisis on the morning of the match forced Australia rewrite their plans against England For the third Ashes Test in Adelaide. The experienced batsman was left out of the starting eleven on the eve of the match. Usman Khawaja When he was given life support at the last minute steve smith Was given out before the toss. Khawaja made the most of the unexpected opportunity and scored a crucial half-century to save the Australian innings after a poor start.
This is why Usman Khawaja is in the playing eleven despite being initially dropped for the Adelaide Test
Chaotic scenes were witnessed at the Adelaide Oval just an hour before the toss on Wednesday, December 17, 2025. Smith, who struggled with nausea and dizziness before the game, was assessed during pre-match warm-ups. Despite his desire to play, the symptoms persisted, and after a lengthy discussion with the captain he was observed to be “uncomfortable”. pat cummins and coach Andrew McDonaldCricket Australia later confirmed that Smith was suffering from a possible vestibular (inner ear) problem, a condition he has dealt with intermittently in the past,
Captain Pat Cummins addressed the shocking change in the toss:
“He (Smith) is feeling unwell and has gone home. But we are lucky to have someone like Uzi come. He came and gave it a crack this morning, but didn’t think he would be up for it… Usman will be at number four.”
Smith’s absence was a major blow for the hosts, as the star batsman had led Australia to wins in Perth and Brisbane during Cummins’ absence. However, the medical team prioritized his long-term recovery and expressed confidence that he would be fit for the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.
Also read: Australia vs England, Ashes 2025-26: Pitch report for 3rd Test, Adelaide Oval stats and records
Ashes 2025-26: Khawaja saves Australia by scoring a half-century in the third Test against England
Khawaja was added to the team just minutes before the toss and moved into an unfamiliar No. 4 position, a high-pressure position. Australia’s innings had a very bad start as an opener. travis head And Jake Weatherald Both were out within six balls, leaving the hosts reduced to 33/2. Khawaja, who was dropped from the starting eleven due to poor running and back spasms, looked determined to prove his critics wrong. Despite surviving the initial fear when harry brook Dropped a regulation catch at second slip, the 38-year-old played with typical composure and composure.
Khawaja’s return was marked by a steady partnership marnus labuschagneWhich formed the basis of the Australian response. Khawaja brilliantly caught his lifeline and hit ten fours to reach 82 and eventually fell will jacks91 run partnership with him alex carey Proved crucial in taking Australia to a competitive score in the first innings. By the time he was dismissed for 82 off 126 balls, Khawaja had not only steadied the ship but also secured his place for the remainder of the series. His performance under extreme pressure, going from outscorer to team’s top scorer in a matter of hours, serves as a powerful reminder of his enduring value to the Australian Test team.
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