The morning of the game, a serious health scare forced Australia rewrite their plans England Playing the third Ashes Test in Adelaide. The veteran batsman was left out of the starting XI on the eve of the match Usman Khawaja Granted a last minute lifeline Steve Smith It was ruled out before the toss. Khawaja made the most of the unexpected opportunity and scored a crucial half-century to save the Australian innings after a shaky start.

Here’s why Usman Khawaja made the squad despite being initially left out of the Adelaide Test

An hour before kick-off on Wednesday 17 December 2025, there were chaotic scenes at Adelaide Oval. Smith, who had been battling nausea and dizziness before the game, was evaluated during pregame warmups. Despite his eagerness to play, symptoms persisted and he looked “depressed” after a lengthy discussion with his captain Pat Cummins and coach Andrew McDonald. Cricket Australia later confirmed Smith suffered from an underlying vestibular (inner ear) problem, a condition he had dealt with intermittently in the past.

Captain Pat Cummins spoke of the shocking change in the toss:

“He (Smith) wasn’t feeling well and has gone home. But we’re lucky to have a guy like Uzi come in. He came in this morning and didn’t expect him to get up and compete in this…Usman is going to be No. 4.”

Smith’s absence is a huge blow for the hosts as the star batsman has just led Australia to victories in Perth and Brisbane in Cummins’ absence. However, the medical team has prioritized his long-term recovery and expressed confidence he will be able to feature in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.

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2025-26 Ashes: Khawaja saves Australia with clinical half-century in third Test against England

Khawaja was drafted into the team just minutes before bowling and was thrust into a high-pressure situation at an unfamiliar number four position. Australia’s disastrous start Travis Hyde and Jack Weatherald Both teams were bowled out within six balls, leaving the home team in trouble at 33/2. Khawaja, who was left out of the initial XI due to running exhaustion and back spasms, looked determined to prove his critics wrong. Despite surviving early scares Harry Brooke At second slip, the 38-year-old played with characteristic grit and composure but lost the routine catch at second slip.

Khawaja’s return marks a tie with Marnus Labuschagnewhich set the stage for Australia’s response. Khawaja grabbed his lifeline in style, smashing 10 boundaries to reach 82, but eventually fell to will jacks. His 91 runs with Alex Carey This proved crucial in guiding Australia to a competitive total in the first innings. When Khawaja was dismissed for 82 off 126 balls, he not only steadied the team but probably secured his place for the remainder of the series. His performance under intense pressure, where he went from off-spinner to the team’s leading scorer in a matter of hours, was a powerful reminder of his enduring value to Australia’s Test squad.

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