Australia suffered a major blow just hours before the third Test of the ongoing Ashes 2025-26 as Steve Smith was dropped in dramatic fashion, forcing changes to the playing XI against England on Wednesday, December 17.
Steve Smith was ruled out on the morning of the third Ashes Test after suffering from nausea, dizziness and vertigo-like symptoms, leaving the Australian team management with no option but to make an urgent call just before the start of play at the Adelaide Oval.
Steve Smith ruled out of Adelaide Test due to last-minute call due to vertigo symptoms
The timing of the decision stunned everyone, with the matter rapidly escalating overnight and leading up to match day. Usman Khawaja was brought straight back into the Australian eleven in place of Steve Smith. Just a day earlier it seemed extremely unlikely that Khawaja would play another Test for Australia.
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Indeed, the 36-year-old Smith did not attend Monday’s training session due to illness, raising initial concerns. However, he trained normally in Adelaide on Sunday and also spent the afternoon playing golf with teammates at Kooyonga, suggesting the problem was not serious at that stage.
Even Australian Test vice-captain Smith returned to training on Tuesday morning and was the first batsman to enter the nets, showing his intention to be ready to play the third Ashes Test against England. However, Smith looked uncomfortable during the session and later suffered back pain while batting. This setback forced him to take a long break, which made things worse for him.
Steve Smith likely to return for Boxing Day Test
During the warm-up before the third Test in Adelaide, the right-handed batsman left the field after batting in the nets and was seen having a serious discussion with Australia head coach Andrew McDonald, hinting at a potentially difficult decision.
Later, Cricket Australia (CA) confirmed that Smith was suffering from vertigo-type symptoms, ruling him out of the Adelaide game. CA is hopeful that Smith will return for the Boxing Day Test at the MCG.
Cricket Australia (CA) said in a statement, “For the last few days he [Steve Smith] Feeling unwell with symptoms including nausea and dizziness. He was evaluated and monitored closely and was close to being available to play. However, given the persistence of symptoms, it was decided not to proceed further.
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The statement further added, “He is being treated for a possible vestibular problem. This is something that Steve has experienced intermittently in the past and is being managed accordingly. It is expected that he will be available for the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.”
We are very lucky to have Usman Khawaja: Pat Cummins
Meanwhile, Australian captain Pat Cummins revealed that Smith was unwell for the past few days. The star fast bowler also said that Usman Khawaja will be in the fourth position. Cummins is playing his first game in the ongoing Ashes 2025-26 after missing the first two Tests due to fitness issues.
Cummins said, “Steve has been feeling a bit unwell for the last few days. He came in this morning and confirmed it, but he didn’t think he would be ready for it. So, he is going home, but we are very fortunate that we have got someone like Usman who can step right in. He is going to bat at number four.”
