Steve Smith's illness leads to shock late withdrawal as Usman Khawaja returns for third Test
ADELAIDE: Steve Smith's ongoing battle with vertigo as led to him being a shock late withdrawal for the third Ashes Test in Adelaide, bringing Usman Khawaja back into the fold.
Smith missed training on Monday with illness but did bat at the optional session on Tuesday.
The 36-year-old first faced Jhye Richardson in the nets and looked uneasy before copping throwdowns from Andrew McDonald and then faced net bowlers.
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Cricket Australia confirmed the reason was illness just before the first ball.
Steve Smith leaves Adelaide Oval Fox Cricket
"Over the past few days he has been feeling unwell, with symptoms including nausea and dizziness," the statement read.
"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."
Reports emerged from just after 9am (ACDT) that Smith's place in the side was unlikely with Khawaja batting in the nets. Khawaja was seen stretching at Adelaide Oval while Smith wasn't sighted.
Usman Khawaja and Andrew McDonald. Getty
SEN's Adam Collins asked Australian staff if there was an issue and was told "nothing to see here" but cameras captured Smith with his backpack on and leaving the ground.
Returning skipper Pat Cummins confirmed the news at the toss where he chose to bat.
"Steve's been feeling a little unwell ... he came and gave it a crack this morning but didn't think he was going to get up for this one. He's heading off home," he said.
"We're really lucky we've got someone like Usman who can step right back in."
Earlier, cameras showed a conversation between Cummins, Smith and McDonald where he was spoken to by the coach before raising his head in disappointment.
Steve Smith looks disappointed during a conversation with Andrew McDonald and Pat Cummins. Fox Cricket
In 2022, Smith experienced concussion symptoms after a fielding mishap which led to repeated vertigo issues. It wasn't his first issue with the illness.
He is expected to be available for the Boxing Day Test.
Smith's illness means Khawaja will bat at four and not open. Travis Head faced new balls in the nets yesterday and was last to bat alongside opening partner Jake Weatherald.
