steve smith

Steve Smith Ashes 2025: Sudden Illness Sidelines Australian Star Before Adelaide Test

In a stunning turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the Australian cricket camp, Steve Smith has been ruled out of the crucial third Ashes Test against England at the Adelaide Oval. The veteran batter, known for his resilience and run-scoring prowess, was forced to leave the ground on the morning of the match due to illness, leaving Pat Cummins and the selection panel with a significant headache just as the game was set to begin.

This development comes as a massive blow to Australia's quest to clinch the series, but it opens the door for a surprise return for veteran opener Usman Khawaja. Here is a detailed breakdown of the situation, the context, and what it means for the remainder of the Test match.

The Morning of the Match: A Shock Withdrawal

The drama unfolded on the morning of the third Test, with Australia entering the match holding a commanding 2-0 lead in the series. However, plans were quickly disrupted.

According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), Steve Smith was set to miss the third Test and had already left the Adelaide Oval before play commenced. The reports indicate that the withdrawal was due to illness, a development that caught many fans and pundits by surprise given Smith's reputation for playing through discomfort.

Brisbane Times further confirmed that the star batter had been "illness sidelined Smith from training" on the eve of the match. This illness reportedly persisted, leading to his inability to take the field for the first day of play. The timing of the withdrawal was particularly disruptive, forcing a late change to the Australian XI.

Usman Khawaja Steps In: The Replacement

With Smith ruled out, the selectors turned to Queensland veteran Usman Khawaja to fill the void. The Sydney Morning Herald noted that Khawaja was on standby as Smith remained in "serious doubt" leading into the match.

Khawaja’s return to the Test side is a narrative in itself. The left-hander, a fan favorite, has been knocking on the door for a recall. His inclusion brings stability and experience to the top order. While Smith’s absence weakens the middle order, Khawaja’s presence at the top of the order is a luxury many teams would envy.

This "shock return" for Khawaja, as described in various reports, adds a layer of intrigue to the Australian lineup. It remains to be seen how the batting order adjusts to accommodate the change, but it undoubtedly shifts the dynamics of the Australian innings.

Why It Matters: The Ashes Context

To understand the magnitude of this news, one must look at the broader context of the Ashes 2025 series. Australia is currently leading 2-0. A win in Adelaide would effectively clinch the urn, a feat the Australian team is desperate to achieve on home soil.

Steve Smith has historically been a thorn in England’s side. His ability to bat for long periods and accumulate runs is central to Australia's strategy. Losing him is not just about missing one player; it disrupts the rhythm of the team.

However, the return of Pat Cummins (who is back from injury, according to broader reports) provides a silver lining for the Australian bowling attack. The team is trying to balance the loss of a senior batter with the return of their captain and premier fast bowler.

Contextual Background: Smith’s History and Resilience

Steve Smith is arguably one of the greatest Test batsmen of the modern era. His record is staggering, and his ability to score runs in difficult situations is well-documented. However, he is also human.

While the specific nature of the illness has not been detailed in the verified reports to protect privacy, it serves as a reminder of the physical demands of international cricket. Players often push through minor ailments, but occasionally, something comes along that forces a withdrawal.

It is important to distinguish this event from other "Steve Smith" news that often circulates. For instance, search results often conflate the Australian cricketer with Stephen A. Smith, the outspoken American sports commentator, or Steve Smith Sr., the former NFL wide receiver. While these individuals are prominent figures in their respective sports, the verified news regarding the Ashes solely concerns the Australian cricketer, Steven Peter Devereux Smith.

Similarly, information regarding IPL auctions or other unrelated cricket events (such as why a name didn't come up for bidding) is not relevant to the immediate verified news of his illness in Adelaide.

Immediate Effects: Impact on the Test Match

The immediate impact of Smith’s absence is felt in two main areas:

1. Batting Depth: Smith usually bats at number four. His absence disrupts the ideal batting lineup. While Khawaja is a quality replacement, the team loses a player capable of blunting the English attack and scoring big hundreds.
2. English Morale: For England, this is a massive boost. Reports indicate that England sees this as a "huge boost" to their chances of keeping the series alive. England’s bowlers, who have struggled to contain Smith in the past, will be relieved to see a different batsman in the middle order.

The Sydney Morning Herald coverage highlighted the tension of the day one lead-up, noting that the Ashes were "well and truly on the line." With Australia chasing a series-clinching win and England fighting for survival, every run and every wicket carries extra weight.

Future Outlook: Recovery and Selection

Looking ahead, the focus will be on Smith’s recovery. Illnesses can vary in duration; while he was unfit to play on the morning of the Test, there is hope that he will recover in time for the subsequent matches or the remainder of this Test if the game goes deep.

For the Australian management, this situation highlights the importance of squad depth. The "next man up" mentality is tested here. Usman Khawaja has the opportunity to cement his place in the side with a strong performance.

If Australia manages to win this Test despite missing Smith, it would be a massive statement of intent and depth. Conversely, if the batting falters, calls for Smith’s quick return (or perhaps the inclusion of other reserves like Cameron Green or Marnus Labuschagne moving up) will grow louder.

Conclusion

The news that Steve Smith has been ruled out of the third Ashes Test due to illness is a significant development in the cricketing world. Verified reports from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Brisbane Times, and The Sydney Morning Herald paint a picture of a sudden, unfortunate turn of events for the Australian team.

While the loss of a player of Smith's caliber is never ideal, the Test match goes on. The spotlight now shifts to Usman Khawaja and the rest of the Australian batting lineup to step up in the absence of their star man. As the Ashes series continues, this unexpected twist adds another layer of drama to an already captivating contest.

This article is based on verified reports from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Brisbane Times, and The Sydney Morning Herald. Any unverified information circulating on social media or other outlets has been excluded to maintain journalistic integrity.