Summary

  • Australia close on 326-8 after winning toss on day one of third Test in Adelaide

  • Australia's Smith ruled out with illness after arriving at ground - Khawaja replaces him

  • Carey makes superb century off 135 balls before top-edging Jacks to Smith to fall for 106

  • Tongue and Carse remove Inglis and Cummins in evening session

  • Khawaja makes 82 after being dropped on five by Brook

  • Archer removes Labuschagne and Green in first three balls after lunch

  • England trail 2-0 in five-Test series and must win to keep Ashes alive

  • Listen to BBC Radio 5 Live Sport commentary at top of page

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Live Reporting

Mike Peter

  1. Aus 7-0

    Swing for Brydon Carse from round the wicket.

    He gets the ball to come back sharply to Jake Weatherald twice, thudding into the thigh pad on both occasions.

    After a no-ball, there is more swing later in the over but it's slightly too full this time and Weatherald times the ball nicely though the leg side for four.

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  3. Aus 1-0

    Steady start all round with just a single, tucked into the leg side by Travis Head, from Jofra Archer's first over.

    A little bit of shape for the England seamer but nothing too extravagant.

    With no Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse will share the new ball.

  4. Phil Tufnell
    Former England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

    England's Joe Root and head coach Brendon McCullum before the matchReuters

    It is a matter of make or break. England look a bit more relaxed and they have gone away and had a break which I don't mind. It is going to be a real test.

  5. Here we go then, anthems done and Jofra Archer will bowl the first over with Travis Head on strike for Australia.

  6. Thanks, Andy. Just what we all wanted to hear before this crucial match.

    For those of you that have a choice, don't let that fact affect your choice of whether or not to stay up through the night to watch this one...

  7. How's stat?!

    Andy Zaltzman
    Test Match Special statistician

    England haven't won a third Test in Australia since 1965-66.

  8. A long and loud ovation for everyone inside Adelaide Oval after an emotional rendition of True Blue.

    A general view of the pre match ceremony during day one of the Third Test Match in the 2025-26 Ashes Series between Australia and England at Adelaide OvalGetty Images

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    Australia should of still picked Smith, he would've been fine on day two when he would of been batting.

    Martin, Newcastle

  10. Michael Vaughan and Jason Gillespie do the honours in terms of bringing the crystal urn out on the field with the teams not too far behind.

    Before the anthems, we will have the aforementioned tribute to the victims of the Bondi shootings.

  11. Tributes to be paid to Bondi shooting victims

    England and Australia will come together in support - Stokes on Bondi attacks

    Before the opening day of the third Test in Adelaide, Australian singer John Williamson will perform True Blue as a tribute to the victims of the Bondi shootings.

    At least 15 people were killed on Bondi beach on Sunday, with many attending an event to mark the first day of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah.

    Williamson will follow a moment's silence and precede the Welcome to Country and national anthems.

    Both teams will wear black armbands and flags at Adelaide Oval will be flown at half-mast.

  12. How's stat?!

    Ben Jones
    CricViz analyst

    The last two sides to bat first at Adelaide Oval have both lost by 10 wickets.

  13. While we're focusing on the positives, here is a lovely old stat for you...

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    First time chasing this series…maybe that will change our fortunes! Despite the 2-0 deficit, I still can’t wait! Bring it on Aussies.

    Nathan, Chichester

  15. Glenn McGrath
    Ex-Australia bowler on BBC Test Match Special

    Steve Smith is out... That's a big blow for Australia. Usman [Khawaja] batting four is the right thing to do.

    Usman Khawaja of Australia warms up during day oneGetty Images

  16. Teams

    Confirmation of the teams with Usman Khawaja slotting in at four as he replace Steve Smith...

    Australia: Jake Weatherald, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Usman Khawaja, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland.

    England: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes, Jamie Smith, Will Jacks, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue.

  17. 'Talking is done now'

    England captain Ben Stokes: "We would have had a bat as well.

    "Talking is done now, it's all about what we go out there and do on the field. I'm excited that we get to go out there as a group and try and make a mark on the game early with the ball.

    "We've got to play the conditions, we won't know what the pitch will offer us until we play some cricket on it but, generally, it's a pretty good wicket here."

    On Josh Tongue: "Effort, hard work and full of heart. He's got that natural wicket-taking ability."

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    A last minute Aussie injury? I believe one calls that ‘The McGrath Effect’. It’s on.

    Kerry, Colchester

    Steve Smith of Australia leaves the groundGetty Images

  19. 'Steve is feeling a bit unwell'

    Australia captain Pat Cummins: "I want to bat first. Wicket looks really good and the sun is shining. A good day to bat.

    "It is always a good wicket here. It feels like a regulation Test match. I don't think you need to get too funky. One in the calendar that you always look forward to."

    On Steve Smith: "Steve is feeling a bit unwell in last couple of days. He came and had a crack this morning. He has headed off home. Good we have someone like Usman who can step right in. He will bat at four."

    On his return from injury: "I feel great. Preparation has been awesome. Been itching to get out here for a while, so I need to make it count."

    On Nathan Lyon: "Always a huge asset for us. He has bowled really well here for us over the years.

    He is pretty fresh coming into this one so no doubt he will get a few overs pumped into him."

  20. Smith ruled out of third Test
    Breaking

    Steve SmithGetty Images

    Some huge news ahead of this crucial Test and Pat Cummins confirms that Steve Smith has been ruled out.

    Australia's premier batter missed training on Monday due to illness but netted at the ground today.

    However, he has now left the ground and returned to the hotel.

    As a result, there is a remarkable, and unexpected, recall for Usman Khawaja just when his Test career appeared to be over.