Australia's Ashes campaign has been dealt a significant blow just before the start of the crucial third Test against England, with star batsman Steve Smith ruled out due to injury.
Late Training Injury Sidelines Smith
The world number three batter has been withdrawn from the contest at the Adelaide Oval after suffering a concussion during a training session. Pictures of the 33-year-old lying on the ground after a blow to the head in the nets circulated on social media on the eve of the match, sparking immediate concern.
Smith, who had been captaining the side in the absence of the injured Pat Cummins, led Australia to a 2-0 series lead with victories in Perth and Brisbane. His absence forces a major reshuffle in the home side's batting order.
Khawaja Returns as England Make Bowling Change
Veteran batsman Usman Khawaja, 38, has been recalled to the Australian XI after initially being left out. He is expected to bat at number four, directly replacing Smith in the lineup. Travis Head is set to move up the order to open the batting alongside Jake Weatherald.
Fears over Smith's participation were confirmed when he was photographed leaving the Adelaide Oval grounds with a rucksack just moments before play began on day one. England, meanwhile, have made one change to their bowling attack, with pace bowler Josh Tongue replacing Gus Atkinson.
Impact on the Series
Smith's absence removes a key pillar from Australia's batting. In the first two Tests, he contributed:
- 17 and 2 not out in the eight-wicket win in Perth.
- 61 and 23 not out in the victory at the Gabba in Brisbane.
His experience and skill at number three will be sorely missed as Australia look to secure an unassailable lead in the series. The focus now shifts to how the reshuffled Australian top order and the returning Khawaja will fare against an England side desperate to fight back in the Ashes.
