With Steve Smith ruled out of the third Ashes Test at the last minute, Australia’s batting order has been forced into a reshuffle, starting right at the top.
Who will open for Australia in the 3rd Ashes Test?
Australia are set to open the innings with Travis Head and Jake Weatherald at the Adelaide Oval.
Smith’s absence has pushed Usman Khawaja into the No.4 positionfilling the void left by the senior batter, while the opening combination remains unchanged from what the team had planned before the late setback.
How Australia’s top order lines up without Steve Smith
- Openers: Travis Head, Jake Weatherald
- No.3: Marnus Labuschagne
- No.4: Usman Khawaja (recalled after Smith’s withdrawal)
Pat Cummins confirmed at the toss that Smith had been feeling unwell over the last couple of days and was unable to get himself ready in time on Wednesday morning. With Smith unavailable, Australia opted for stability at the top rather than reshuffling multiple positions.
Head and Weatherald have been backed to provide intent early, especially on a good batting surface at Adelaide, while Khawaja’s experience is expected to add solidity in the middle order.
Australia won the toss and chose to bat, marking the first time this series they have done so under Cummins’ leadership. England, trailing 0–2 in the series, now face the added challenge of breaking through early against an Australian top order that will be keen to set the tone despite the absence of their star batter.
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