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Australia's veteran batter Steve Smith has been ruled out of the third Ashes Test at Adelaide Oval. Australia had to make a last-minute change by including Usman Khawaja as Smith is suffering vertigo symptoms. He has been struggling for a few days and the call to skip the Adelaide Test was taken after he batted in the nets followed by a conversation with head coach Andrew McDonald.
"Over the past few days he has been feeling unwell, with symptoms including nausea and dizziness," a Cricket Australia 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."
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In Smith's absence, Khawaja got a place in the middle order. He had to walk out to bat early in the first session after openers Jake Weatherald and Travis Head. He completed his half-century in the second session from 81 balls.
"Steve's been feeling a bit unwell the last couple of days. 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. Pretty lucky we've got someone like Usman who can step right in. Usman will bat at No. 4," Cummins said.
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This is not the first time Smith has battled vertigo. However, he hasn’t missed a Test because of those issues. The last time he missed an Ashes Test was in 2019. He was ruled out of the famous Headingley Test due to concussion.
Australia’s Playing XI for 3rd Test -
Travis Head, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Usman Khawaja, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland.
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