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The Ashes 2025 third Test day one: Steve Smith exits crucial third Test, Australia win the toss as Usman Khawaja bats at No.4
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Smith officially dismissed, Australia win the toss, bat first
Steve Smith has been officially ruled out of the third Test. With an extraordinary chance, Usman Khawaja came into the side again. He will bat at number 4. Australia win the toss and bat.
Cummins brings players together
With Tom Decent
Pat Cummins addresses the players in the middle of Adelaide Oval.
No Smith. He left the place. Jake Weatherald hugs Usman Khawaja.
Smith unlikely to play
With Tom Decent
Steve Smith has left Adelaide Oval.
Although there is no official confirmation yet, he is unlikely to feature in this Test. We will receive official news from the team at the draw at 10:00 (local time).
Where will Khawaja bat?
The interesting subplot of this election drama will be what Australia will do with their innings.
Will Usman Khawaja return to his usual place at the top of the order, or will he settle in the middle order, allowing Travis Head to continue as the opener?
Let’s not forget that Head has made centuries at No. 5 in the last three Adelaide Tests and has been player of the match in each of those competitions.
Flies, buzzes and great hits
With Dan Walsh
The masses are flocking to Adelaide Oval from across the river and word of Smith’s potential withdrawal is circulating around the region, along with half the fly flies in South Australia.
Cricket fans are flocking to Adelaide Oval for day one of the third Ashes Test.Credit: Getty Images
The temperature is 26 degrees and already rising, it’s a 100/100 times a bat scenario and you think about bowling in the 101st over, then you bat anyway.
Really awful conditions with the bat or on the field today and it’s going to be even hotter tomorrow.
Khawaja warms up, Smith backpacks
Steve Smith was seen speaking to the Australian leadership at the Adelaide Oval this morning.
Adam Collins, on the ground for radio broadcaster SEN, said he spoke to one of the Australian staff some time ago about Smith’s place in the team and was told “nothing to see here”.
Steve Smith leaves Adelaide Oval on Wednesday morning.Credit: Getty Images
But soon after, as Usman Khawaja continued to warm up, television broadcasters noticed Smith leaving with his backpack.
Whether this will replace the prolific striker remains to be seen.
All signs point to Khawaja in, Smith out
With Tom Decent
Steve Smith is nowhere to be seen at Adelaide Oval. The whole team is there. Usman Khawaja is stretching – so that’s a good indication he will parachute back into the XI.
Smith’s place in the toss is known
With Tom Decent
Cricket Australia have advised that an update on Steve Smith’s condition will only be provided after the toss, which is scheduled to take place at 9.30am local time (10am AEDT).
Khawaja in the net
With Tom Decent
An interesting development this morning. Usman Khawaja is batting in the Adelaide Oval nets after being left out of Australia’s XI yesterday.
This imprint reported yesterday that Smith was dealing with a mysterious ailment. On Tuesday, Smith was being examined by the team’s medical staff and checked for signs of a recurrence of the dizziness issues that have occasionally affected him in recent years.
Although there was no official confirmation from team officials this morning, Smith’s omission from the Test would be a huge deal. Approximately 30 minutes later, a draw will be held to determine the names of the teams.
Blow to Australians
With Greg Dundas
Smith’s omission – if confirmed – would be a huge blow… perhaps a pivotal moment in this series.
He captained Australia in the first two Tests but was sidelined for the Adelaide match as Pat Cummins had finally overcome his fitness complaints and was ready to take his place in the team.
Australia, captained by Smith, won the Tests in Perth and Brisbane, but with three players left to play, England still have a chance of keeping the series alive.
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