Steven Smith was withdrawn on the morning of the third Ashes Test in Adelaide, Australia opting for the late inclusion of Usman Khawaja after the vice-captain failed to shake off illness.
Smith, 36, completed a short net session before speaking with head coach-selector Andrew McDonald, then left the oval visibly under the weather. He had missed Monday’s training entirely, returned on Tuesday, but looked lethargic and took a painful blow to the groin that forced a lengthy pause.
With Travis Head and Jake Weatherald entrenched after solid returns in the opening two Tests, Khawaja had been squeezed out of the original XI despite proving his fitness from a back complaint. The left-hander will turn 39 on Thursday, making him Australia’s oldest Test player since the early 1980s—an unusual milestone in the modern game.
From a purely statistical angle, the switch is significant. Smith averages 59 in Ashes cricket and remains Australia’s most reliable run-getter. Khawaja’s overall Test mark is 44, though his numbers against England dip to the mid-30s. Even so, his six hundreds and composure against the moving ball give the selectors confidence he can plug the gap at No. 4.
Team balance should remain intact. Head and Weatherald are expected to stay in the middle order, while Alex Carey’s wicket-keeping role is untouched. Pat Cummins’ bowling unit continues unchanged.
Medical staff described Smith’s withdrawal as precautionary, hinting he may return for Boxing Day if symptoms ease. Australia will provide a fuller update after play.
Further details to follow once the match begins.
