Australian batsman Steve Smith has been ruled out of the third Ashes Test against England in Adelaide.
Usman Khawaja replaces Smith, who captained Australia for the first two Tests.
The third Test, which England need to win to reclaim the Ashes, begins at 11.30pm UK time.
“Steve has been a bit unwell the last few days. He came in this morning and took a hit, but I didn’t think he could play this game.” said Australia captain Pat Cummins, who won the toss and chose to bat first.
“So he’s heading home, but we’re lucky to have someone like Usman who can step in right away. He’ll hit a four.”
Smith led Australia to eight-wicket wins in Perth and Brisbane in the absence of regular skipper Cummins. He scored the winning run in Brisbane as Australia took a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.
Veteran Khawaja, who turns 39 on Thursday, was originally ruled out despite declaring himself 100% fit after missing the second Test with back spasms in the opener, raising the prospect that he may have played his final game for his country.
Khawaja was unable to break the opening partnership between Jake Weatherald and Travis Head, with the duo sharing 70-plus stands in both Perth and Brisbane.
More to follow…
