Australian batsman Steve Smith has been refused participation in the third Ashes Test against England in Adelaide.
Usman Khawaja will replace Smith, who captained Australia in the first two Tests.
At the coin toss 30 minutes before the start of the match, captain Pat Cummins returned and Smith’s absence was confirmed, but Australia won the coin toss and chose to bat first.
“Steve has been a little sick the last few days. He came in this morning and practiced a little bit, but I didn’t expect him to be fine this time,” Cummins said.
“So he’ll be heading home, but we’re very fortunate to have a player like Usman who can step in right away. He’ll be batting fourth.”
A statement from Cricket Australia said Smith suffered from an “occult vestibular disorder” which indicates a problem with his balance.
“He had been feeling unwell for the past few days with symptoms including nausea and dizziness,” the statement said.
“He was closely tested and monitored and was close to being able to play. However, given his continued symptoms, the decision was made not to continue.”
“He is being treated for an underlying vestibular condition, something Steve has experienced off and on in the past and is being managed accordingly.”
“He is expected to be available for the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.”
Smith led Australia to eight-wicket wins in Perth and Brisbane in the absence of regular skipper Cummins. He hit the winning shot in Brisbane, giving Australia a 2-0 lead in their fifth consecutive match.
Veteran Khawaja, who turns 39 on Thursday, missed the second Test after suffering back spasms in the opening match and was initially ruled out despite declaring himself 100 per cent fit, leading to speculation he could play his final match for his country.
Usman Khawaja was given an unexpected recall.
Khawaja has been unable to break free from the opening partnership of Jake Weatherald and Travis Head, with the pair sharing 70-plus stands in both Perth and Brisbane.
England must win the third Test at Adelaide Oval to have any chance of regaining the Ashes with the remaining series.
Australia and England players wore black armbands during Wednesday’s Test in the wake of Sunday’s shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach.
Gunmen opened fire during the Hanukkah festival, which marks the beginning of the Jewish holiday, killing 15 people and injuring many others.
Flags were flown at half-staff at Adelaide Oval and Australian folk singer John Williamson performed his 1982 hit ‘True Blue’ after a moment of silence on the opening morning.
A moment of silence is held in memory of the victims of the Bondi Beach attack ahead of the third Ashes Test.
Ashes Series in Australia 2025-26
Australia leads series 5 games 2-0
