20 minutes before the toss of the third Ashes test, there was a sudden change in the Australian team, with Usman Khawaja replacing Steve Smith.
According to a statement issued by the Australian Cricket Board, Steve Smith has withdrawn from the third Ashes Test due to a sudden illness.
Superstar batsman Steve Smith is OUT of Adelaide # Ash The exam.
Information: https://t.co/5bF59ENUlr pic.twitter.com/kLbsarsQc7
– cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) 16 December 2025
Just 20 minutes before the toss at Adelaide Oval, Smith had to leave the team after complaining of dizziness and lightheadedness.
Australia won and elected to bat first, but Smith’s absence is a big blow for the team.
According to captain Pat Cummins, Smith underwent a fitness test at the Nets in the morning but did not feel fully ready, after which he was sent home.
Steve Smith walks out of Adelaide Oval 🤯# Ash pic.twitter.com/d9iZ8vkzXH
– 7Cricket (@7Cricket) 16 December 2025
The team management hopes that he will be fit by the fourth Test in Melbourne.
Smith has also suffered from inner ear (vestibular) problems in the past and such symptoms have affected him many times before.
On the other hand, this is an unexpected opportunity for Usman Khawaja. He was left out of the team just a day ago, but now he is back in the middle in place of Smith.
Although Khawaja joined the team, the opening pair of Travis Head and Jack Weatherold remained.
The 39-year-old Khawaja also shared an emotional moment with batting coach Michael D’Vinotto before the match.
