- Steve Smith withdrawn on match morning due to recurring vestibular issue causing nausea and dizziness.
- Usman Khawaja earns shock recall, batting at No. 4 after being omitted just 24 hours earlier.
- Australia post 326-8 on day one, with Alex Carey scoring maiden Ashes century (106) and Khawaja contributing 82.
- Pat Cummins returns as captain; hosts win toss and bat first on flat pitch.
- England make one change: Josh Tongue replaces Gus Atkinson.
The 2025-26 Ashes series delivered high drama on day one of the third Test at Adelaide Oval, as Australia suffered a major blow with Steve Smith ruled out hours before play due to illness. Veteran opener Usman Khawaja received an unexpected lifeline, slotting into the middle order as the hosts recovered to 326-8, led by hometown hero Alex Carey’s emotional century.
Captain Pat Cummins, back after injury, won the toss and elected to bat on a batsman-friendly surface. Despite early setbacks, Australia capitalized through resilient partnerships, keeping their 2-0 lead intact and retention of the urn within reach.
Day One Summary
Australia slumped to 94-4 mid-session via poor shot selection, but Khawaja’s composed 82 upon recall steadied proceedings. Carey’s masterful 106—his first in Ashes cricket—included fluent drives and pulls, celebrated with a skyward tribute to his late father.
England’s bowlers, featuring debutant series bowler Josh Tongue, showed discipline but allowed recovery through loose deliveries.
| Team | Day 1 Score | Key Performers | Notable Events |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 326-8 | Carey 106, Khawaja 82 | Recovered from 94-4 |
| England | Bowling | Archer multi-wickets | Exploited early collapses |
Late Changes and Implications
Smith’s withdrawal stemmed from persistent nausea and dizziness, a vestibular condition he has managed intermittently. Expected back for Melbourne’s Boxing Day Test, his absence—a rare home miss since 2019—denied England a prime target.
Khawaja, turning 39 during the match, batted assuredly at No. 4, preserving the successful Head-Weatherald opening pair.
The Ashes 2025-26 third Test exploded into life with unforeseen chaos at Adelaide Oval on December 17, 2025. Australia, leading 2-0 after dominant eight-wicket wins in Perth and Brisbane, faced an early crisis when star batter Steve Smith was sensationally withdrawn due to health concerns.
Cricket Australia confirmed Smith’s symptoms of nausea and dizziness persisted, linked to a potential vestibular issue—a recurring problem for the 36-year-old. Despite attending the ground and attempting nets, he departed before the toss, prioritizing welfare. Pat Cummins praised the precautionary approach, noting Smith’s expected availability for the fourth Test.
This paved the way for Usman Khawaja’s remarkable return. Dropped the previous day amid the form of openers Travis Head and Jake Weatherald, Khawaja seized his chance at No. 4. His 82 provided crucial stability, blending patience with selective aggression on a flat track.
Cummins’ comeback strengthened Australia’s attack alongside returning spinner Nathan Lyon. The skipper’s leadership and pace added menace, complementing Mitchell Starc’s threat.
Day one unfolded under intense heat, drawing a record crowd exceeding 56,000. Australia opted to bat after Cummins’ toss win, aiming to build on series momentum. Early wickets fell to reckless strokes, gifting England breakthroughs via Jofra Archer’s hostility and sharp fielding.
Khawaja’s innings, surviving a drop, rebuilt confidently. His partnerships eased pressure, allowing lower-order freedom. Carey’s standout performance shone brightest: watchful initially, he accelerated brilliantly, reaching three figures amid emotional roars. His dismissal via miscued sweep opened the tail, but late resistance pushed the total competitive.
England’s response featured grit. Tongue’s inclusion brought bounce, while Will Jacks provided spin variety over Shoaib Bashir. Ben Stokes toiled tirelessly, extracting movement but facing counter-attacks.
Broader series context heightens stakes. Australia need only avoid defeat to retain the urn; victory seals it early. England, desperate for revival, view Smith’s absence as opportunity—his Ashes prowess legendary, second only to Don Bradman in runs scored.
Individual narratives enrich drama:
| Player | Role/Contribution | Series Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Steve Smith | Withdrawn (illness) | Major blow; expected return |
| Usman Khawaja | Recalled; 82 | Lifeline seized |
| Alex Carey | Century (106) | Emotional home-ground heroics |
| Pat Cummins | Captain return | Leadership boost |
| Jofra Archer | Early wickets | Threatening pace |
Adelaide’s conditions—high-scoring history, extreme temperatures—promise runs for disciplined batting. Day two’s heat near 40°C tests endurance, favoring rotation.
Smith’s history includes vertigo bouts post-2019 concussion, managed effectively until now. His stand-in captaincy guided early wins, highlighting depth.
Khawaja’s recall underscores squad flexibility. Previously sidelined by back issues and opening success, his experience stabilizes the middle order.
Carey’s form peaks: leading Australia’s calendar-year runs, excelling behind stumps.
For England, momentum from restricting recovery builds belief. Stokes demands combative spirit amid must-win pressure.
This Test encapsulates Ashes unpredictability: illness altering lineups, veterans resurrecting, locals thriving. Australia holds advantage, but England’s fight keeps the contest alive heading into Melbourne and Sydney.
The series narrative evolves—resilience tested, opportunities grasped in cricket’s grandest rivalry.
