Quick Read
- Steve Smith was ruled out of the third Ashes Test due to illness, leading to Usman Khawaja’s late recall.
- Khawaja scored a resilient 82 runs, helping Australia recover from an early collapse and secure a strong position at stumps.
- His performance came amid doubts about his Test future, following recent injuries and selection drama.
- Australia ended day one at 326-8, with Khawaja’s innings pivotal alongside Alex Carey’s maiden Ashes century.
- Australia leads the Ashes series 2-0 and will retain the urn with a win or draw in Adelaide.
Khawaja Steps Up as Smith Withdraws: A Veteran’s Second Chance
The third Ashes Test at Adelaide Oval in December 2025 began with drama even before the first ball was bowled. Australia’s celebrated batter Steve Smith, a cornerstone of their batting lineup, was ruled out due to a sudden bout of illness—nausea and dizziness later attributed to a vestibular issue, commonly known as vertigo. The news filtered through mere minutes before the toss, sending ripples through the Australian camp and giving Usman Khawaja, the seasoned left-hander, an unexpected recall.
Smith’s absence was felt acutely, not just for his run-scoring ability—over 10,000 Test runs bear witness to his importance—but for the psychological blow to the team’s morale. Smith, visibly upset, was seen leaving the ground after discussions with captain Pat Cummins and coach Andrew McDonald. The decision to withdraw him was made by the leadership, prioritizing his health above all.
That left a door open for Khawaja, who at nearly 39 years old, had been overlooked as opener in favor of younger faces like Travis Head and Jake Weatherald. Only days earlier, Khawaja’s Test career had appeared to be teetering on the edge after missing the Brisbane Test due to back spasms and being omitted from the Adelaide lineup.
Early Collapse, Veteran Resolve: Khawaja’s Grit Under Pressure
Australia’s top order was rocked early by England’s fiery Jofra Archer, who tore through with a blistering spell after lunch, leaving the hosts reeling at 94-4. Archer removed Marnus Labuschagne with his first ball after the break, followed immediately by Cameron Green, whose soft dismissal turned the spotlight on Australia’s middle order.
Amidst the chaos, Khawaja found himself at the crease, partnered by Labuschagne, and soon tested by England’s sharp fielding. On just five runs, Khawaja survived a pivotal moment when Harry Brook dropped a regulation chance at second slip. That reprieve proved to be the turning point. With a mix of caution and class, Khawaja accelerated his scoring, showcasing the blend of technique and temperament that has defined his career.
His innings was not without risk. Facing relentless heat—temperatures soared above 36°C—and a bowling attack determined to exploit any weakness, Khawaja remained unflappable. He brought up his 28th Test half-century to the cheers of over 56,000 fans, the largest cricket crowd Adelaide Oval had ever seen.
Defiant 82: Silencing the Doubters
Khawaja’s knock of 82 off 126 balls was more than just a score—it was a statement. After questions about his selection and whispers that his Test career might be nearing its end, the veteran batter silenced critics with his elegant strokeplay and steely resolve. He was eventually dismissed just before tea, slog-sweeping to Josh Tongue in the deep off spinner Will Jacks, but by then, the damage had been done.
His contribution, alongside Alex Carey’s emotional century, steadied the Australian ship after the early wickets. Carey, who notched up his third Test ton in front of his family and home crowd, shared crucial partnerships with Khawaja and later with Josh Inglis and Pat Cummins, pushing Australia to 326-8 at stumps.
Khawaja’s performance was particularly poignant given his own rollercoaster journey—injuries, selection drama, and persistent speculation about his future. Yet, when the opportunity arose, he responded with the kind of innings that speaks to both experience and hunger.
Impact on the Ashes and Australia’s Campaign
Australia’s commanding total on day one, built on the back of Khawaja’s and Carey’s efforts, put them firmly in the driver’s seat. Already leading the five-Test series 2-0 after emphatic victories in Perth and Brisbane, Australia needed just a win or draw in Adelaide to retain the Ashes.
The late reshuffling—Nathan Lyon returning for Michael Neser, and Pat Cummins resuming captaincy after injury—demonstrated the depth and adaptability of the squad. Lyon’s record at Adelaide Oval made his inclusion a tactical necessity, while Cummins’ leadership brought stability to a side facing unexpected adversity.
On the England side, bowling coach David Saker acknowledged the tough conditions and praised Archer’s performance, noting that “the heat took us a bit by surprise.” England’s bowlers toiled, but Khawaja’s perseverance stood out against their efforts.
Players from both teams wore black armbands and observed a moment of silence before the match, honoring victims of the Bondi Beach mass shooting—a solemn reminder of cricket’s place within broader societal currents.
Khawaja’s Legacy: Resilience Over Reputation
Khawaja’s Adelaide innings is likely to be remembered not just for the runs scored, but for the context—an experienced cricketer called back into action at a moment of uncertainty, responding with professionalism and poise. In an era when youth and athleticism often dominate headlines, his story is a testament to the enduring value of resilience and readiness.
As Australia prepares for the second innings and eyes a potential Ashes victory on home soil, Khawaja’s performance will serve as both inspiration and proof: opportunity in elite sport can be fleeting, but the right blend of skill and resolve can transform a late call-up into a headline moment.
Usman Khawaja’s 82 in Adelaide was more than a personal triumph—it was a reminder that experience, if harnessed at the right moment, can reshape a team’s fortunes. His innings validated the selectors’ faith and restored confidence in the veteran, underscoring that in cricket, comebacks can be as compelling as debuts. —Sources: Reuters, Yahoo News Australia, Keys News