Vertigo rules Steve Smith out of the third Test as Usman Khawaja was called up in his stead 45 minutes before the toss.
Smith ruled out on the morning of Adelaide with vertigo, Khawaja recalled.
Just one day after it appeared improbable that Steven Smith would play another Test for Australia, Usman Khawaja was called up, ruling him out of the third Ashes Test on the morning of the game due to extraordinary circumstances.
Just before play began, Cricket Australia (CA) acknowledged that Smith was experiencing vertigo like symptoms, a condition he has previously struggled with. After batting in the nets and speaking with coach and selector Andrew McDonald, he exited the pitch during the warm-up.
Due to illness, Smith was unable to train on Monday. However, he trained in Adelaide on Sunday and spent Sunday afternoon playing golf with his teammates at Kooyonga.
He was first in the nets on Tuesday when he resumed training. However, he did not appear to be in optimal health during the net session. At one point, he was struck in the groin, which knocked him down and required a long rest.
“Over the past few days he has been feeling unwell, with symptoms including nausea and dizziness,” a CA spokesperson said.
“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.”
After winning the toss, Pat Cummins, who had taken over as captain after Smith had led the first two Tests, declared that Khawaja would take his spot.
“Steve’s been feeling a bit unwell the last couple of days,” Cummins said. “He came and gave it a crack this morning but didn’t think he was going to get up for this one. So he’s headed off home. But pretty lucky we’ve got someone like Usman who can step right in. Usman will bat No. 4”