Ashes 2025-26: Why is Steve Smith not playing the third AUS vs ENG test in Adelaide despite being named in XI?

Steve Smith captained Australia in the first two tests but was ruled out of the third game in Adelaide.

Australian Cricket Team faced a massive blow after Steve Smith was ruled out of the third test of the Ashes 2025-26 against England Cricket Team on the morning of the match, just minutes before the toss in Adelaide. He was originally named in Australia’s playing XI, but his late withdrawal opened the door for Usman Khawaja, who came into the side as his replacement.

Smith made his Ashes debut at the WACA in Perth during the 2010–11 series, and until this match, the only other Ashes test he had missed was the famous Headingley encounter in 2019.

He had missed training on Monday due to illness but returned to bat in the Adelaide Oval nets on Tuesday morning, which appeared to clear any doubts over his availability.

However, around 20 minutes before the toss, Smith held discussions with captain Pat Cummins and confirmed that he would not be available to play the third Ashes 2025-26 test.

Why is Steve Smith not playing the third AUS vs ENG test in Adelaide?

Steven Smith, who served as the stand-in captain for Australia in the first two Ashes 2025-26 tests this summer, was unwell for the past few days and experienced vertigo-like symptoms.

In a statement issued by a Cricket Australia spokesperson, it was confirmed that Smith was suffering from symptoms including nausea and dizziness.

The spokesperson added that he is being treated for a potential vestibular issue, something Smith has experienced intermittently in the past, and that the condition is being managed accordingly. He is expected to be available for the Boxing Day test in Melbourne, which will begin on December 26

With Pat Cummins returning to lead the national side after missing the first two matches, Australia won the toss in the third test, after which Cummins confirmed that Smith would not be part of the playing XI. Usman Khawaja was named as his replacement and batted at four.

Speaking on Smith, Cummins said:

“Steve’s been feeling a bit unwell the last couple of days. He came in 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. We’re pretty lucky to have someone like Usman who can step right in. Usman will bat at No. 4.”

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