Steven Smith was ruled out of the third Ashes Test in Adelaide on the morning of the match in dramatic circumstances, forcing Australia into a last-minute change and opening the door for an unexpected Usman Khawaja recall just a day after he had been dropped.
Cricket Australia (CA) confirmed shortly before the toss that Smith was experiencing vertigo-like symptoms, including dizziness and nausea, an issue he has dealt with intermittently in the past. Smith did attempt to push through, taking part in the warm-up and batting in the nets, but left the ground after speaking with head coach and selector Andrew McDonald. Medical staff later advised against him playing.
Pat Cummins, who resumed captaincy after Smith led the first two Tests, confirmed the change after winning the toss, with Khawaja drafted straight into the XI.
Khawaja recalled, slots in at No. 4
The recall capped a remarkable turnaround for Khawaja, who had been left out despite regaining full fitness from a back injury. The selectors had earlier opted to persist with the Jake Weatherald–Travis Head opening combination following their solid returns in Perth and in Brisbane, seemingly closing the door on Khawaja.
However, Smith’s late withdrawal changed everything. Khawaja was slotted in at No. 4, a position he has rarely batted there at Test level but one he is comfortable with in first-class cricket, where he averages over 53. He previously batted at No. 4 during the Perth Test earlier in the series when injury prevented him from opening.
At 39, Khawaja also became the first Australian of that age to feature in a Test in four decades. He wasted no time justifying the call-up. Walking in with Australia suddenly wobbling at 33 for 2, Khawaja steadied the innings with a composed, fluent knock, reaching 41 not out off 55 balls by lunch and giving control after England’s great start in the Adelaide Test.
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