Confusion briefly surrounded Australia’s team combination ahead of the third Ashes Test at Adelaide Oval after Steve Smith was seen leaving the ground shortly before the toss, triggering speculation about a late withdrawal.
BBC commentator Alison Mitchell first flagged the development on X, posting that Smith had crossed the outfield from the dressing room with a rucksack and team security, appearing to leave the venue. With the toss approaching, questions immediately arose over whether Australia were set for an 11th-hour change.
Steve Smith reportedly out of the Adelaide Test after being concussed in training!pic.twitter.com/19RRq92CP1
— Toby Forage 🤙 (@foraggio) December 16, 2025
The uncertainty deepened after former Australia spinner Kerry O’Keefe revealed on Kayo Sports that Smith had held a long discussion with captain Pat Cummins regarding his fitness. O’Keefe suggested Smith had walked away “disconsolate” and added that there were unconfirmed reports of Smith being struck on the head during training, raising the possibility of a concussion-related issue.
However, clarity arrived soon after the toss.
Australia won the toss and elected to bat, and Cummins addressed the situation directly. The skipper confirmed that Smith had been feeling unwell for the past couple of days, which explained his early departure from the ground. As a precaution, Smith was left out of the playing XI for the third Test.
Cummins also confirmed a reshuffle in the batting order, with Usman Khawaja returning to the XI and batting at No. 4 in Smith’s absence.
“We are going to bat first. The wicket looks good, the sun is out. You don’t get too funky. Steve has been feeling a little bit unwell the last couple of days. Uzzie will bat at four,” Cummins said at the toss.
The development marks a significant late change for Australia, with Smith’s absence a rare one in an Ashes Test. While initial concerns centred around a potential head knock, the team management clarified that illness was the deciding factor behind the call.
Australia, leading the series 2–0, will now look to press home their advantage in Adelaide despite missing one of their most experienced batters.
