Ashes 2025-26: Steven Smith ruled out of third Ashes Test with vertigo, Khawaja recalled

Steven Smith was ruled out of the third Ashes Test on the morning of the match in extraordinary circumstances, with Usman Khawaja earning a recall just a day after it had appeared unlikely he would play another Test for Australia. Cricket Australia (CA) confirmed shortly before the start of play that Smith was experiencing vertigo-like symptoms, an issue he has dealt with in the past.

Smith left the ground during the warm-up after batting in the nets and held a discussion with head coach and selector Andrew McDonald. He had missed training on Monday due to illness but had trained on Sunday in Adelaide before playing golf with teammates at Kooyonga later that afternoon.

He returned to training on Tuesday and was the first to bat in the nets. However, Smith did not appear to be in full health during the session and was also struck in the groin at one point, which forced him to the ground and resulted in a lengthy break.

"Over the past few days he has been feeling unwell, with symptoms including nausea and dizziness. He was assessed and monitored closely and was close to being available to play. However, given the persistence of symptoms, a decision was made not to proceed. He is being treated for a potential vestibular issue. This is something Steve has experienced intermittently in the past and is being managed accordingly. He is expected to be available for the Boxing Day test in Melbourne,” said a CA spokesperson as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

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Pat Cummins, who returned as captain after Smith had led the side in the first two Tests, confirmed after winning the toss that Khawaja would replace Smith. Khawaja’s recall comes after Australia had previously opted to leave him out despite his return to full fitness from a back injury, with the successful Travis Head–Jake Weatherald opening partnership in the opening two Tests influencing the selectors’ decision. Even with Khawaja’s late inclusion, the selectors have chosen to retain Head and Weatherald at the top of the order, with Khawaja set to bat at No. 4 while the rest of the batting lineup remains unchanged.

Khawaja has batted at No. 4 only twice in Test cricket, including in the first innings of the opening Test in Perth, when he was unable to open due to back spasms. However, it is his preferred position in first-class cricket, where he averages 53.15 with 10 centuries. He occupied the No. 4 spot for Queensland in Sheffield Shield cricket for several years while simultaneously serving as Australia’s Test opener. Khawaja will also become the first 39-year-old to play Test cricket for Australia in 40 years, turning 39 on Thursday, December 18.

Smith has now missed two of Australia’s last six Tests through injury or illness. He was ruled out of the opening Test of the West Indies tour in June after suffering a finger injury during the World Test Championship final, with Josh Inglis batting at No. 4 in his absence. Before that, Smith had not missed a Test since the third Test of the 2019 Ashes series, when he was sidelined with concussion. While Smith has experienced several bouts of vertigo in recent years, none had previously forced him to miss a Test match.