Third Ashes test: Steve Smith aiming for a Boxing Day return after being ruled out of 3rd

Steve Smith is aiming to be again in Ashes motion for Australia on Boxing Day after being dominated out shortly earlier than play began Wednesday (December 17, 2025) within the third take a look at at Adelaide.

Smith was speaking to Australian coach Andrew McDonald on the sphere within the hour earlier than the toss of the coin, when it appeared the ultimate resolution was made to depart him out of the XI so he can proceed recovering from dizziness and nausea.

That allowed Usman Khawaja an surprising recall for Australia, batting at No. 4 to interchange Smith moderately than opening the innings.

Australian group administration later stated Smith was being handled for a “potential vestibular situation” within the inside ear, ruling out hypothesis that the star batter had sustained a concussion throughout a web observe session.

He practised with the Australia squad on Saturday (December 13), and Sunday (December 15) skipped Monday’s (December 15) session, however returned on Tuesday (December 16) and batted once more within the nets on Wednesday (December 16) morning.

“Steve is feeling a little bit bit unwell the final couple of days,” returning captain Pat Cummins stated on the coin toss. “He got here and gave it a crack this morning however did not suppose he was going to stand up for this one, so he is headed off residence.”

“However we’re fairly fortunate we’ve got acquired somebody like Usman who can step proper in.”

Group administration stated Smith, who has handled vertigo signs prior to now, is prone to return for the fourth take a look at beginning December 26 on the Melbourne Cricket Floor.

“He was assessed and monitored intently and was near being accessible to play,” Australian group administration stated in an announcement. “Nevertheless, given the persistence of signs, a choice was made to not proceed.”

Smith led Australia to eight-wicket wins in Perth and Brisbane within the absence of Cummins. He hit the successful runs in Brisbane as Australia took a 2-0 lead within the five-match sequence.

Cummins received the toss and elected to bat first in Adelaide, his first take a look at since sustaining a again harm in July. England wants a victory within the third take a look at to have any likelihood of reclaiming the Ashes.