Australian star Steve Smith has been ruled out of the third Test in Adelaide, with axed veteran Usman Khawaja given a reprieve.
Rumours had been swirling that Smith was unwell in the lead-up to the Test, with the former captain ruled out from Adelaide due to vertigo.
Khawaja comes back into the side but it remains to be seen where he bats, with multiple options for the 38-year-old.
It's possible Khawaja could slot straight into Smith's no.4 position, but could also reclaim his opening batting role, with Travis Head moving back down the order.
Australia Ashes XI confirmed - Third Test vs. England in Adelaide
IN: Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon, Usman Khawaja
OUT: Michael Neser, Brendan Doggett, Steve Smith
- Travis Head
- Jake Weatherald
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Usman Khawaja
- Josh Inglis
- Cameron Green
- Alex Carey (wicketkeeper)
- Mitchell Starc
- Pat Cummins
- Nathan Lyon
- Scott Boland
Test match schedule for the 2025/26 Ashes - Australia vs. England
First Test, Perth Stadium, Perth
November 21-25 - Australia win by eight wickets (AUS 1-0)
Second Test, The Gabba, Brisbane (D/N)
December 4-8 - Australia win by eight wickets (AUS 2-0)
Third Test, Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
December 17-21
Fourth Test, MCG, Melbourne
December 26-30
Fifth Test, SCG, Sydney
January 4-8