Australia were dealt a significant blow ahead of the third Ashes Test against England on Wednesday, with Steve Smith ruled out just before the start of play due to illness.
The star batter, who captained Australia in the opening two Tests in Perth and Brisbane, was replaced in the starting XI by Usman Khawaja. Smith had missed training on Monday but returned to bat on Tuesday and was initially named in the side.
“Steve’s been feeling a bit unwell over the last couple of days,” returning captain Pat Cummins said. “He came in this morning and gave it a crack, but didn’t feel like he could get through the day, so he’s headed home.
“We’re lucky to have someone like Uzzie who can step straight in. He’ll bat at four.”
Smith’s absence is a major setback for the hosts. A long-time pillar of Australia’s middle order, he has scored 36 Test centuries and more than 10,000 runs in a distinguished career.
He was present at the ground on Wednesday morning but was seen leaving around 20 minutes before the toss after a discussion with coach Andrew McDonald.
The late change handed a reprieve to veteran Khawaja, playing his 85th Test, after he had been dropped as opener with selectors opting to persist with Travis Head and Jake Weatherald at the top of the order.
The development capped a dramatic build-up to the third Test, with Australia chasing an unassailable 3–0 series lead and England fighting to keep the Ashes alive.
Source: AFP
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
