Steve Smith is now expected to miss today’s Adelaide Test, with the superstar batsman struggling with illness. Usman Khawaja is set to replace the sick Australian vice-captain, though where he’ll bat is yet to be confirmed.
Australia’s best since Bradman missed several training sessions through the week leading into Wednesday’s Adelaide opening day, but had been on track to be still included in the playing XI. That has since changed this morning, with an ill Smith leaving the Adelaide Oval grounds and Khawaja running through quick-paced warmups at the same time.
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Smith was spotted by Channel 7 and FOX Sports cameras leaving with a backpack on. Adam Collins, on the ground for radio channel SEN, also just said he spoke to a member of the Australian cricketing staff a moment ago about Smith’s place in the team and was told, “nothing to see here.” Beyond that, media has been unable to speak to anyone from the squad.
While there’s been no official confirmation from the Australian side yet, we’re just minutes away from the squad being unveiled (it all comes out at 10am AEDT). Jake Weatherald has been seen giving Usman Khawaja a hug.
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It’s an incredible lifeline for Khawaja, who had been left out of the playing side and was staring down never playing for Australia in a Test match again. Instead, he’s now expected to bat at no.4 for the home side as they look to seal the series 3–0 with a victory in Adelaide. While a downgrade from Smith, the veteran batsman should do a job this week.
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Elsewhere in the squad, Pat Cummins has confirmed he’ll be back for Adelaide after recovering from his back injury, while Nathan Lyon has also been guaranteed a return to the starting XI after his Brisbane benching.
