A dramatic health scare on the morning of the match forced Australia to rewrite their plans against England for the third Ashes Test in Adelaide. After being left out of the initial XI on the eve of the match, veteran batter Usman Khawaja was handed a last-minute lifeline when Steve Smith was ruled out before the toss. Khawaja made the most of the unexpected opportunity, scoring a vital half-century to rescue the Australian innings after a shaky start.
Here’s why Usman Khawaja is in the playing XI despite being initially left out for the Adelaide Test
The Adelaide Oval saw chaotic scenes just an hour before the toss on Wednesday, December 17, 2025. Smith, who had been struggling with nausea and dizziness in the lead-up to the game, was assessed during the pre-match warm-ups. Despite his desire to play, the symptoms persisted, and he was seen looking “disconsolate” after a long discussion with captain Pat Cummins and coach Andrew McDonald. Cricket Australia later confirmed that Smith was suffering from a potential vestibular (inner-ear) issue, a condition he has managed intermittently in the past.
Captain Pat Cummins addressed the shock change at the toss:
“He (Smith) is feeling unwell and has headed home. But we are lucky to have someone like Uzzie come in. He came and gave it a crack this morning but didn’t think he was going to get up for this one… Usman will be at number 4.”
Smith’s absence was a massive blow for the hosts, as the star batter had just led Australia to victories in Perth and Brisbane during Cummins’ absence. However, the medical team prioritized his long-term recovery, expressing confidence that he will be fit for the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.
Ashes 2025-26: Khawaja rescues Australia with composed half-century in the 3rd Test vs England
Drafted into the side just minutes before the toss, Khawaja walked into a high-pressure situation at an unfamiliar No. 4 position. Australia’s innings began disastrously as openers Travis Head and Jake Weatherald were both dismissed within six balls, leaving the hosts reeling at 33/2. Khawaja, who had been omitted from the initial XI following a lean run and back spasms, looked determined to prove his critics wrong. Despite surviving an early scare when Harry Brook dropped a regulation catch at second slip, the 38-year-old played with characteristic grit and composure.
Khawaja’s return was marked by a steadying partnership with Marnus Labuschagne, which anchored the Australian response. Khawaja grabbed his lifeline in style, striking ten boundaries to reach 82 before eventually falling to Will Jacks. His 91-run stand with Alex Carey proved pivotal in guiding Australia toward a competitive first-innings total. By the time he was dismissed for 82 off 126 balls, Khawaja had not only steadied the ship but also likely secured his spot for the remainder of the series. His performance under immense pressure, moving from the outer to the team’s top scorer in a matter of hours, served as a powerful reminder of his enduring value to the Australian Test side.
