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Ashes 2025-26: Why Is Steve Smith Not Playing in the Third Ashes Test?
Smith's vertigo, linked to inner ear crystals and captaincy stress, forced him out of the Test after he was unable to bat or field, team doctor confirmed.
- On Wednesday, Steve Smith was ruled out of the third Ashes Test in Adelaide as Cricket Australia said he is being treated for a `potential vestibular issue` causing dizziness and nausea.
- Steve Smith has a history of intermittent vertigo, including an SCG century while affected; doctors performed six Epley manoeuvres, and Smith said, `I get it occasionally`.
- After batting on Tuesday to prove fitness, Smith trained on Saturday and Sunday, then left Adelaide Oval 20 minutes before the toss after a discussion with coach Andrew McDonald.
- Smith's withdrawal handed a recall to Usman Khawaja at No.4, with captain Pat Cummins saying the side is fortunate to have the 85-Test veteran ready after Smith’s 36 centuries and over 10,000 runs.
- Medical staff expect Smith to recover in time for the Boxing Day Test at the MCG next Friday, confirming the issue was not a concussion, contrary to some broadcast reports.
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Sydney Morning HeraldReposted by 
The Age
The Age‘He will be feeling terrible’: Inside the health problem that ruled Steve Smith out
Steve Smith, who has been ruled out of the third Ashes Test in Adelaide, has a history of issues with vertigo, which began in the aftermath of the concussion he suffered when hit on the back of the head by Jofra Archer at Lord’s during the 2019 Ashes series.
·Sydney, Australia
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Total News Sources12
Leaning Left4Leaning Right3Center0Last UpdatedBias Distribution57% Left
Bias Distribution
- 57% of the sources lean Left
57% Left
L 57%
R 43%
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