Ashes 2025-26: Steve Smith's misfortune presents new lease of life to Usman Khawaja's Test career

Usman Khawaja's dwindling Test career earned a new lease of life on the morning of day 1 of the third Test in Adelaide as Steve Smith was ruled out after suffering symptoms akin to vertigo. Smith left the ground after having a hit in the nets. Khawaja earned a recall, having missed out on selection in the playing XI for the Adelaide Test.

Cricket Australia (CA) released a statement informing that Smith had been "keeping unwell" in the lead-up to the Test match "with symptoms of nausea and dizziness" and the "persistence of symptoms" led to the decision.

"Over the past few days he has been feeling unwell, with symptoms including nausea and dizziness," a CA spokesperson was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.

"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."

Luckily for Australia, Pat Cummins took over, having regained his fitness in the nick of time and informed at the toss that Khawaja would bat at no. four.

"Steve's been feeling a bit unwell the last couple of days," Cummins said. "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, pretty lucky we've got someone like Usman who can step right in. Usman will bat No. 4."

Despite Khawaja's last-minute inclusion, Australia decided to stick with the opening pair of Jake Weatherald and Travis Head. However, England made early inroads as Brydon Carse and Jofra Archer dismissed Head and Weatherald cheaply to reduce Australia to 33/2 inside the first 10 overs.

Marnus Labuschagne and Khawaja added 61 for the third wicket before Archer removed Labuschagne for an individual score of 19. Cameron Green also fell for nought, but Khawaja dug in and rescued the hosts from a precarious position.

The southpaw scored 82 with the help of 10 fours and stitched a 91-run partnership alongside wicketkeeper Alex Carey before attempting to slog sweep Will Jacks. He failed to make proper contact and was taken at deep midwicket.