Australian cricket fans were dealt a significant blow on Wednesday morning as star batter Steve Smith was ruled out of the crucial third Ashes Test in Adelaide due to a return of his vertigo symptoms.
Vertigo Strikes on Match Eve
The decision came after a lengthy conversation between Smith and coach Andrew McDonald just hours before the start of play at Adelaide Oval. Smith, who appeared visibly disappointed, was officially withdrawn from the match, paving the way for Usman Khawaja to return to the side and bat at number four.
Team officials confirmed the star player is being treated for a "potential vestibular issue" affecting his inner ear, which has caused dizziness and nausea over recent days. Speculation had swirled before the toss that Smith may have suffered a concussion after being hit in the nets, but this was firmly ruled out by the Australian camp.
A Recurring Battle for Smith
Smith's battle with vertigo is not new. He has experienced intermittent symptoms for several years, famously scoring a 62-ball century in a One Day International against India in 2020 just hours after battling an episode. The issues resurfaced after a concussion in February 2022, causing bouts of vertigo during Australia's Test tour of Pakistan, and he also missed a game at the 2023 ODI World Cup in India.
"I get it occasionally," Smith said previously. "I've had a few episodes. I can tell you it's not a fun space to be in."
His preparation for the Adelaide Test was patchy. He trained with the squad on Saturday and Sunday but skipped Monday's session. He returned to the nets on Tuesday in a determined bid to prove his fitness, but discussions about his availability continued in the background throughout the day.
"Steve is feeling a little bit unwell the last couple of days," captain Pat Cummins explained at the toss. "He came and gave it a crack this morning but didn't think he was going to get up for this one, so he's headed off home. But we're pretty lucky we have got someone like Usman who can step right in."
Confidence for Melbourne and a 'Huge Loss'
Despite the setback, there is positive news on the horizon. Australia's medical staff are confident Smith will recover in time to face England in the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground next Friday.
A team spokesperson stated: "He is being treated for a potential vestibular issue. This is something Steve has experienced intermittently in the past and is being managed accordingly. He is expected to be available for the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne."
Former Australian coach Justin Langer, commentating for Seven Network, labelled Smith's absence a "huge loss" for the Test and the team. "There's been such a buildup of Steve Smith versus Jofra Archer, but it sounds like this vertigo has got the better of him and it's a horrible thing," Langer said. "Those who have experienced it, it's horrible. He will be feeling terrible and for him to walk out of the ground it tells us he is really unwell."
All eyes will now be on Smith's recovery over the coming days, with Australia hoping their premier batsman can return to full health and take his place in the iconic MCG fixture.
