Australia vs England 3rd Test, Ashes 2025-26: In a major blow to Australia, senior batter Steve Smith was ruled out of the third Test against England a while before the action in the ongoing Ashes 2025-26 on Wednesday, December 17. Smith suffered vertigo-like symptoms, forcing a last-minute reshuffle to Australia's playing XI.

As the hosts stepped up to seal the five-match series, it was confirmed by Cricket Australia that Smith had been battling dizziness and nausea over the past few days. Despite passing a pre-match fitness test, Smith didn't take part in the Adelaide Test. Australia had to bring in Usman Khawaja and change their batting order at the last moment.

After opting to bat first, Aussie skipper Pat Cummins, who himself has returned from an injury break and missed the first two games, said Khawa would slot in at number 4 in Smith’s place. "Steve’s been feeling a bit unwell the last couple of days," Cummins said at the toss. "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. Pretty lucky we’ve got someone like Usman who can step right in. Usman will be at number 4."

Cricket Australia mentioned that Smith was "close to being available", but the symptoms led medical staff to advise him against taking the field. Smith was seen leaving the ground after being ruled out of the match. Having missed the training on Monday, Smith returned to the nets the following day, but didn't look sharp and was hit on the groin during the session.

Australia headed into the match on the back of a dominating performance in the first two matches in Perth and Brisbane, respectively, having won them by 8 wickets to go 2-0 up each. On the other hand, Cummins and Nathan Lyon returned to the side after replacing Brendan Doggett and Michael Neser.

Talking about England, the visitors brought in Josh Tongue to replace Gus Atkinson as the only change.


Australia vs England 3rd Test Playing XIs, Ashes 2025-26:

Australia: Australia (Playing XI): Travis Head, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Usman Khawaja, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey(w), Pat Cummins(c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland

England: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes(c), Jamie Smith(w), Will Jacks, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue