The Ashes 2025 third Test day one: Steve Smith out of crucial third Test, Usman Khawaja in at No.4 as Australia win the toss and bat
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Key posts
Smith officially out, Australia win toss, batting first
Steve Smith has been officially ruled out of the third Test. In a remarkable bit of luck, Usman Khawaja comes back into the side. He will bat at No.4. Australia win the toss and bat.
Cummins gathers players
By Tom Decent
Pat Cummins is addressing players in the middle of the Adelaide Oval.
There’s no Smith. He has left the ground. Jake Weatherald gives Usman Khawaja a hug.
Smith ‘highly unlikely’ to play
By Tom Decent
Steve Smith has left Adelaide Oval.
While there has been no official confirmation yet, it would appear highly unlikely he will feature in this Test. We’ll have official news from the team at the toss at 10 am (local time).
Where will Khawaja bat?
The interesting subplot to this selection drama will be what Australia does with its batting order.
Will Usman Khawaja return to his usual place at the top of the order, or will he slot into the middle order, leaving Travis Head to continue as an opener?
Let’s not forget Head has scored centuries in the past three Adelaide Tests batting at No.5 and been player of the match in each of those contests.
Blowflies, buzz and batting greats
By Dan Walsh
The masses are streaming into the Adelaide Oval from across the river and word of Smith’s potential withdrawal is buzzing around the joint, along with half of South Australia’s blowflies.
Cricket lovers flood into Adelaide Oval for day one of the third Ashes Test.Credit: Getty Images
It’s 26 degrees and rising already, this is a bat 100/100 times scenario, and on the 101st toss, you’d think about bowling, then bat anyway.
Genuinely sapping conditions with bat or in the field today, and it only gets hotter tomorrow.
Khawaja warming up, Smith with backpack on
Steve Smith has been spotted on the Adelaide Oval this morning talking with Australian leadership.
Adam Collins, on the ground for radio broadcaster SEN, said he spoke to a member of the Australian staff a moment ago about Smith’s place in the team and was told, “nothing to see here”.
Steve Smith leaves the Adelaide Oval on Wednesday morning.Credit: Getty Images
But a short while later, Smith was spotted by the TV broadcasters leaving with his backpack on, while Usman Khawaja continued to warm up.
Whether that means the prolific run scorer takes his place remains to be seen.
All signs pointing to Khawaja in, Smith out
By Tom Decent
Steve Smith is nowhere to be seen on the Adelaide Oval. Whole squad is out there. Usman Khawaja is stretching – so that’s a decent indicator he’s going to be parachuted back into the XI.
Smith’s place to be known at toss
By Tom Decent
Cricket Australia has informed us that an update on Steve Smith’s condition will only be provided after the toss, which is scheduled to happen at 9.30am local time (10am AEDT).
Khawaja in the nets
By Tom Decent
An intriguing development this morning. Usman Khawaja is batting in the Adelaide Oval nets after not being named in Australia’s XI yesterday.
This masthead reported yesterday Smith was dealing with a mystery ailment. On Tuesday, Smith was being examined by team medical staff, in particular being checked for signs of whether he is suffering a recurrence of vertigo problems that have affected him sporadically in recent years.
While there has been no official confirmation from team officials this morning, it would be a major story if Smith were ruled out of the Test. A toss will take place in about 30 minutes where the teams will be named.
Blow for the Aussies
By Greg Dundas
Smith’s omission – if confirmed – would be a massive blow … perhaps a pivotal moment in this series.
He captained Australia in the first two Tests but had stepped aside for the Adelaide match because Pat Cummins was finally over his fitness complaints and available to resume his place in the team.
With Smith as captain, Australia won the Tests in Perth and Brisbane, but with three to play England still have a chance to keep the series alive.
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