Australia batsman Steve Smith RULED OUT of third Ashes Test on morning of recreation in large increase for England as they combat to remain within the sequence

Steve Smith has been ruled out of the crucial third Test at Adelaide after feeling unwell during the build-up to the game, handing a last-minute reprieve to Usman Khawaja.

Smith, Australia’s highest-ranked batsman at No 3 in the ICC table, missed training on Monday, and looked out of sorts during the net session on the eve of the game. 

As both teams warmed up before the start of a match England must win to stay in the Ashes, he left the ground and returned to the team hotel.

Australia captain Pat Cummins said: ‘Steve’s been feeling a little bit unwell the last couple of days. 

‘He came and gave it a crack this morning, but he didn’t think he would get up for this one, so he’s headed home. 

‘We’re pretty lucky we’ve got someone like Usman who can step right in.’

Steve Smith has been ruled out of the third Ashes Test after feeling unwell during the build-up to the game

Smith’s absence gave Usman Khawaja a reprieve after his Test career had been written off

Khawaja turns 39 on the second day of this game, and his Test career had been widely written off after he was left out of the starting XI on Tuesday. 

Now he has a chance to prove the selectors wrong.

Smith’s absence drew comparisons with the late withdrawal of fast bowler Glenn McGrath from the Edgbaston Test of 2005 after treading on a stray ball on the outfield and twisting his ankle.

Back then, however, England were only 1–0 down. 

Here, they trail by two, and must win the last three Tests to regain the urn. It is a feat achieved by only team in Test history – Don Bradman’s 1936-37 Australians, against England.

Khawaja was due to bat at No 4, as he did in the first Test at Perth, when back spasms forced him down the order and opened the way for Travis Head to go in first.

Cummins won the toss, and chose to make bat on a beautiful morning in Adelaide.