Steve Smith aiming for a Boxing Day return after being ruled out of 3rd Ashes test

Steve Smith is aiming to be back in Ashes action for Australia on Boxing Day after being ruled out shortly before play started Wednesday in the third test at Adelaide.

Smith was talking to Australian coach Andrew McDonald on the field in the hour before the toss of the coin, when it appeared the final decision was made to leave him out of the XI so he can continue recovering from dizziness and nausea.

That allowed Usman Khawaja an unexpected recall for Australia, batting at No. 4 to replace Smith rather than opening the innings.

Australian team management later said Smith was being treated for a “potential vestibular issue” in the inner ear, ruling out speculation that the star batter had sustained a concussion during a net practice session.

He practiced with the Australia squad on Saturday and Sunday, skipped Monday's session, but returned on Tuesday and batted again in the nets on Wednesday morning.

“Steve is feeling a little bit unwell the last couple of days,” returning captain Pat Cummins said at the coin toss. "He came and gave it a crack this morning but didn't think he was going to get up for this one, so he's headed off home. But we're pretty lucky we have got someone like Usman who can step right in.”

Team management said Smith, who has dealt with vertigo symptoms in the past, is likely to return for the fourth test starting Dec. 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

“He was assessed and monitored closely and was close to being available to play," Australian team management said in a statement. “However, given the persistence of symptoms, a decision was made not to proceed.”

Smith led Australia to eight-wicket wins in Perth and Brisbane in the absence of Cummins. He hit the winning runs in Brisbane as Australia took a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.

Cummins won the toss and elected to bat first in Adelaide, his first test since sustaining a back injury in July. England needs a victory in the third test to have any chance of reclaiming the Ashes.