In a dramatic last-minute twist on the opening day of the third Ashes Test in Adelaide, Australian batting mainstay Steve Smith was forced to make a shock withdrawal due to illness. The late change saw veteran batsman Usman Khawaja step into the playing eleven, an opportunity he capitalized on with a crucial innings for the hosts.
Sudden Illness Forces Smith's Withdrawal
Cricket Australia confirmed that Smith had been battling symptoms of "nausea and dizziness" for several days leading up to the crucial match. Despite attempting to participate in the warm-ups at the Adelaide Oval, the star batter, after a consultation with coach Andrew McDonald, had to leave the stadium and return home. Team management indicated he is being treated for a potential vestibular issue, a condition he has experienced intermittently in the past.
A statement from the cricket board read, "Over the past few days he has been feeling unwell... He was assessed and monitored closely and was close to being available to play. However, given the persistence of symptoms, a decision was made not to proceed." The announcement provided some relief for Australian fans, adding that Smith is expected to be fit for the iconic Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.
Khawaja Seizes His Chance with Both Hands
Smith's unexpected exit opened the door for Usman Khawaja, who was brought into the side at the eleventh hour. Khawaja's innings proved to be a masterclass in resilience and adaptation. He began cautiously, scoring just 5 runs from his first 27 deliveries. However, his fortunes changed after England's Harry Brook dropped a straightforward catch at second slip.
From that pivotal moment, Khawaja shifted gears, displaying positive intent and playing a series of confident shots to guide Australia through a difficult period of play. His composed knock under pressure underscored his value to the squad and demonstrated the team's batting depth.
Leadership Shift and England's Perspective
The morning's events also triggered a change in leadership. While Smith had captained Australia in the first two Tests of the series, the timely return of Pat Cummins for the Adelaide match meant the regular skipper was on hand to resume his role. Cummins expressed his sympathy for Smith but also his gratitude for Khawaja's readiness.
"Steve is feeling a little bit unwell the last couple of days," Cummins stated. "He came 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. But we’re pretty lucky we have got someone like Usman who can step right in."
Smith's absence is undoubtedly a significant blow for Australia, a fact highlighted by England pacer Stuart Broad's recent comments. Speaking on a podcast, Broad had identified Smith as the major obstacle for England, stating that to win the series, they needed to restrict his average to under 50. Broad praised Smith's unique technique and mental strength, calling him "incredibly difficult to bowl at" and a batsman who could score a hundred even when bowlers felt they hadn't delivered a bad ball.
The third Test in Adelaide continues, with Australia navigating the early setback and relying on Khawaja's experience to build a strong position in the high-stakes Ashes series.
