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Australia's Smith Out, England's Hope Rises
18 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Steve Smith ruled out due to concussion, replaced by Usman Khawaja.
- Nathan Lyon honored with a spot on Adelaide Oval's Avenue of Honour.
- Marnus Labuschagne played the series' worst shot, a tame chip after lunch.
Australia's Steve Smith was ruled out of the Third Test in Adelaide due to concussion, with Usman Khawaja stepping in to score 82. Khawaja's innings, despite an early dropped catch by Harry Brook, offered a glimmer of hope for the Australian team.
The match also saw tributes, including a moving performance for the Bondi Beach victims. Spinner Nathan Lyon was honoured before play, added to the Adelaide Oval's Avenue of Honour for his contributions to the sport.
However, the day was marked by uncharacteristic batting errors from Australia, with Cameron Green dismissed for a second-ball duck and Marnus Labuschagne playing what was described as the worst shot of the series. This performance contrasted with England's own struggles with dropped catches in earlier matches.
