Australia were forced into a late change ahead of the third Ashes Test at Adelaide Oval after stand-in captain Steve Smith was ruled out due to illness. Smith, who had captained the side in the first two Tests in Pat Cummins’ absence, reported nausea and dizziness on the morning of the match and was deemed unfit to play.
Veteran left-hander Usman Khawaja was drafted into the playing XI as Smith’s replacement — a dramatic turn for a player who, less than 24 hours earlier, appeared to have reached the end of his Ashes career, as reported by BBC Sport. Meanwhile, regular skipper Pat Cummins returned to the side to resume captaincy after missing the opening two Tests of the series.
Smith’s absence deprived Australia of both leadership and one of their most prolific run-scorers, particularly in conditions that traditionally favour batting. A flat Adelaide pitch, warm weather and Australia batting first would normally have suited Smith perfectly, given his long history of tormenting England in Ashes contests.
Khawaja, however, ensured Australia remained competitive. Making a surprise return, the left-hander made full use of his opportunity, scoring a composed 82 on the opening day before being dismissed. His innings steadied Australia during a tricky phase, and by the Tea interval on day one, the hosts were 194 for 5, with Khawaja’s knock the backbone of the innings.
The 38-year-old, who turns 39 on day two of the Test, had been unable to open in the first Test due to a back complaint — the same issue that ruled him out of the second match. In his absence, Travis Head and Jake Weatherald formed a promising opening partnership, seemingly pushing Khawaja to the fringes.
Earlier in the series, Khawaja had batted at number four in the first innings of the Perth Test before back spasms forced a reshuffle. The last time he featured regularly in the middle order was during the Sydney Ashes Test of 2022, when he scored centuries in both innings at number five.
Smith’s absence offers England an opening
While it is always risky to suggest the absence of a player of Smith’s calibre benefits the opposition, England will quietly feel his unavailability helps their cause. Smith has so often been the architect of Australian dominance in the Ashes, occupying the crease for long periods and draining bowlers.
His absence also puts on hold his rivalry with Jofra Archer, who bowled with extreme pace to Smith late in the Brisbane Test. Smith frequently points out that Archer has never dismissed him, even during their famous 2019 duel when Smith was concussed.
For Khawaja, the third Test represented a remarkable recall. From being seemingly out of contention, he returned to the side and once again answered Australia’s call in an Ashes series on home soil.
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