Australia were dealt a major blow ahead of the third Ashes Test against England after Steve Smith was ruled out of the match due to symptoms of ‘nausea and dizziness’.
Smith captained Australia in place of the injured Pat Cummins as the hosts went 2-0 up in the series with a pair of comprehensive victories in both Perth and Brisbane.
But Smith, the number three ranked batter in the world, has been dealing with an illness and was forced to skip training on Monday.
Some reports suggested Smith’s absence could be linked to concussion protocol. Pictures had been circulating on social media on the eve of the Adelaide contest which showed the 33-year-old batsman laid out on his back in the nets.
However, an official statement from Cricket Australia said: ‘Over the past few days he has been feeling unwell, with symptoms including nausea and dizziness.
‘He was assessed and monitored closely and was close to being available to play. However, given the persistence of symptoms, a decision was made not to proceed.
‘He is being treated for a potential vestibular issue. This is something Steve has experienced intermittently in the past and is being managed accordingly.’
There are hopes Smith will be available for the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.
The loss of Smith has seen Usman Khawaja come back into Australia’s side having initially been left out the XI.
The veteran 38-year-old is expected to bat at four in place of Smith, while Travis Head will line up alongside Jake Weatherald at the top of the order.
A dejected-looking Smith was seen crossing the outfield from the Australian dressing room just moments before play on day one at the Adelaide Oval – and Cummins confirmed his absence at the toss.
In the opening Test in Perth, Smith contributed 17 and 2* with the bat as Australia strolled to an eight-wicket victory inside just two days.
Previously in Brisbane, Australia’s stand-in skipper made 61 and 23* across his two innings.
England have made just one change to the team that lost at the Gabba last time out, with pace bowler Josh Tongue replacing Gus Atkinson in the attack.
Mark Waugh, who played 128 Tests for Australia, said the loss of Smith came as a ‘huge blow’.
‘There is a bit of secrecy about the actual ailment but it is a huge blow for Australia. Steve Smith is the cornerstone of the batting,’ he said on Fox Sports’ live coverage of the Test.
‘That’s a big loss for Australia but Pat Cummins, of course, comes back in.
‘But to lose your number one batsman on the eve of such a big Test match… you can see Steve Smith is disappointed.’
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