Australia’s Smith out of third Test with illness

Australia batter Steve Smith was ruled out on the morning of the crucial third Ashes Test against England and replaced by Usman Khawaja.

Smith missed training on Monday because of illness, then was struck in the groin when he batted in the nets on Tuesday morning.

The 36-year-old was on the outfield at the Adelaide Oval before play began, only to leave the stadium before the toss took place.

“Steve has been feeling a little bit unwell over the past couple of days,” said Australia captain Pat Cummins.

“He gave it a crack this morning, but didn’t think he was going to get up for this one. He’s headed off home.

“We’re pretty lucky we’ve got someone like Usman who can step right in.”

Khawaja, who was left out of the Australia XI when it was named on Tuesday, comes in to take Smith’s place at number four.

Smith captained Australia to victory in the first two Tests in the absence of Cummins, who has returned to lead at the Adelaide Oval.

It is a significant loss to Australia – only the great Sir Donald Bradman has made more runs for Australia in Ashes Tests.

Smith missed Australia’s first Test against West Indies in June because of a broken finger, but this is the first home Test he has sat out since serving a ban for his role in the ‘Sandpapergate’ scandal in 2019.

It is a shock return for Khawaja, whose Test career looked over when he was omitted from the Australia team on Tuesday.

The left-hander, who turns 39 on day two of the third Test, was unable to open in the first Test because of a back complaint – the same issue then ruled him out of the second Test.

In his absence, Travis Head and Jake Weatherald have formed a promising opening partnership.

Khawaja batted at number four in the first innings of the first Test in Perth, moving down the order following the back spasms.