Steve Smith ruled out of third Ashes Test due to inner ear problem

Australia suffered a major setback ahead of the third Ashes Test as star batter Steve Smith was forced to withdraw from the match due to an inner ear problem.

According to Cricket Australia, Smith failed a fitness test because of discomfort in his inner ear and left the field just 20 minutes before the toss.

In response, veteran Usman Khawaja was drafted into the squad at the last moment to fill the void. 

Khawaja came in at number four and made an immediate impact, scoring a crucial 82 runs off 126 balls, including 10 boundaries, to stabilize Australia’s innings.

At one point, Australia had lost four wickets for just 94 runs, but Khawaja stitched a 91-run partnership with Alex Carey for the fifth wicket, helping the team recover.

Khawaja had been sidelined earlier in the series due to a back injury and was not considered for the second and third Tests initially.

Australia won the toss at the Adelaide Oval and opted to bat first. With the hosts leading the five-match Ashes series 2-0, Khawaja’s performance provided a timely boost ahead of the crucial Test.