Steve Smith is not playing in today’s third Ashes Test at the Adelaide Oval after being ruled out at the last minute due to illness, Australia captain Pat Cummins confirmed at the toss.
Confusion erupted shortly before the start of play when Smith was seen leaving the ground with team security, sparking speculation over a possible injury or concussion. The situation intensified after former Australia spinner Kerry O’Keefe revealed on Kayo Sports that Smith had held a lengthy discussion with Cummins regarding his fitness, with unconfirmed suggestions that he may have been struck on the head during training.
However, Australia’s leadership clarified the situation minutes later.
After winning the toss and opting to bat first, Cummins stated that Smith had been feeling unwell for the past couple of days, prompting the team to take a precautionary decision and leave him out of the playing XI.
“Steve has been feeling a little bit unwell the last couple of days,” Cummins said. “Uzzie (Usman Khawaja) will bat at four.”
As a result, Usman Khawaja was drafted into the side as Smith’s replacement, returning to the XI and taking his place in the middle order. The move was described as a late but safety-first call by the team management, with no immediate confirmation of concussion or serious injury.
While Smith’s absence is a setback for Australia, especially in a marquee Ashes Test, the hosts are already 2–0 up in the five-match series. The decision appears focused on safeguarding Smith’s health and availability for the remainder of the series rather than risking him while unwell.
Further updates on Smith’s condition are expected from Cricket Australia in due course.
