<h2>Australia Rocked by Steve Smith Late Adelaide Withdrawal. Khawaja Named to Return - Three Point Summary:&nbsp;</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>-Steve Smith ruled out of Adelaide Ashes Test after being struck in the head during net practice</p> <p>-Usman Khawaja makes shock return to replace the star batsman in Australia's lineup</p> <p>-Australia leads series 2-0 and can clinch the Ashes with victory at Adelaide Oval</p> <p>Australia's third Ashes Test preparations at Adelaide Oval suffered a major blow with Steve Smith's late withdrawal due to a head injury sustained in practice.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Smith's Last-Minute Withdrawal Rocks Australian Team</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The dramatic scenes unfolded just hours before the crucial Adelaide Ashes Test, with Steve Smith struck in the head during net practice and subsequently ruled out due to potential concussion symptoms. The star batsman, who boasts 36 Test centuries and over 10,000 Test runs, was seen in deep conversation with coach Andrew McDonald and captain Pat Cummins before departing Adelaide Oval.</p> <p>Smith's absence removes Australia's middle-order cornerstone at a pivotal moment in the series. The 34-year-old has been instrumental in Australia's dominant 2-0 series lead, making his withdrawal a significant tactical blow as the hosts seek to clinch the Ashes with victory in Adelaide.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Khawaja's Surprise Return to Test Cricket</h2> <p>Veteran opener Usman Khawaja has been thrust into action as Smith's replacement, marking a sensational return to Australia's Test lineup. The 37-year-old was seen warming up in the nets as speculation mounted about Smith's availability, before being confirmed as the last-minute inclusion.</p> <p>Khawaja's recall represents a major shift in Australia's batting order, with the experienced left-hander likely to slot into the crucial number four position. His inclusion adds valuable experience to Australia's middle order, though replacing Smith's proven Test match temperament presents a considerable challenge.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Series-Defining Test Gets Underway</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Adelaide Ashes Test carries enormous significance for both teams, with Australia poised to secure the urn with victory while England desperately needs to keep the series alive. Australia has made additional changes to their lineup, recalling spinner Nathan Lyon alongside captain Pat Cummins, signalling their intent on the typically batting-friendly Adelaide Oval surface.</p> <p>England has also shuffled their attack, bringing in Josh Tongue to replace Gus Atkinson in their bowling lineup. The visitors face mounting pressure to perform after consecutive defeats, with their Ashes hopes hanging by a thread.</p> <p>Weather conditions favour batting on day one, with clear skies and temperatures climbing into the 30s expected throughout the Adelaide Test. The dry, hot conditions typically produce good batting tracks at Adelaide Oval, making the toss crucial for both captains' tactical plans.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Commentary Coverage Changes</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Test coverage has also been affected by personnel changes, with former England bowler Stuart Broad missing the Adelaide Test after returning home for a mid-series family break. Broad, who has been providing commentary for Channel 7 and SEN, is expected to return for the Boxing Day and Sydney Tests.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Kayo Sports commentator Michael Vaughan returns to commentary duties for the first time since being caught up in recent events in Sydney, adding his expertise to the crucial Adelaide encounter.</p> <p>The next five days at Adelaide Oval could prove decisive in determining the Ashes series outcome, with Australia's batting depth now tested by Smith's unexpected absence and England seeking to capitalise on this late disruption to Australian preparations.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>The Ashes 2025/26 - Third Test Betting Odds:&nbsp;</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/cricket/the-ashes/australia-v-england-9928292">Bet on the third Ashes Test with Sportsbet here. See all available markets and multis available now online.&nbsp;</a></p> <p><br /> &nbsp;</p>