A dramatic health scare forced the morning of the match Australia rewrite their plans against England for the third Ashes Test in Adelaide. After being left out of the starting XI ahead of the match, the veteran bats Osman Khawaja when a lifeline is given at the last moment Steve Smith ruled out before the shot. Khawaja made the most of the unexpected opportunity to score a vital half-century to rescue the Australian innings after a shaky start.
This is the reason Usman Khawaja is in the playing XI despite being initially left out of the Adelaide Test.
Adelaide Oval saw chaotic scenes just an hour before the shooting on Wednesday, December 17, 2025. Battling nausea and dizziness leading up to the game, Smith was evaluated during pregame warmups. Despite his desire to play, the symptoms persisted and after a lengthy discussion with the captain, he appeared to be “relieved”. Pat Cummins and coach Andrew McDonald. Cricket Australia later confirmed that Smith was suffering from a potential vestibular (inner ear) problem, an ailment he had managed intermittently in the past.
Captain Pat Cummins addressed the shock change in the innings:
“He (Smith) feels bad and went home. But we’re lucky someone like Uzzie came in. He came in this morning and broke it, but he didn’t think he was going to get up for it… Usman will be at No. 4.”
Smith’s absence was a major blow for the hosts as the star-studded Australia had led Australia to wins in Perth and Brisbane during Cummins’ absence. However, the medical team have expressed confidence that he will be fit for the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, favoring his long-term recovery.
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Ashes 2025-26: Khawaja rescues Australia with half-century against England in 3rd Test
Khawaja, who was sidelined moments before the toss, found himself in a high-pressure situation at an unfamiliar No.4 position. Australia’s innings started as disastrously as the openers Head of Travis and Jake Weatherald Both were dismissed within six balls, leaving the hosts at 33/2. Dropped from the starting XI after a lean run and back spasms, Khawaja looked determined to prove his critics wrong. Despite surviving an early scare Harry Brooke Dropping a regulation catch at the second slip, the 38-year-old played with characteristic grit and composure.
A steady partnership was marked with Khawaja’s return Marnus LabuschagneAnchored Australia’s response. Khawaja grabbed the lifeline in style and hit ten boundaries to reach 82 in the end. Will Jacks. With his 91st stand Alex Carey He was instrumental in guiding Australia to a competitive first innings total. When he was dismissed for 82 off 126 balls, Khawaja not only steadied the ship but secured his spot for the remainder of the series. His performance under immense pressure, going from outfielder to top scorer in a matter of hours, was a powerful reminder of his enduring value to the Australian Test side.
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