Australia are confident Steve Smith will be fit for Boxing Day after the star batter's issues with vertigo returned to rule him out of Adelaide.
Smith cut a disappointed figure on Wednesday morning after a lengthy chat with coach Andrew McDonald left him out of the third Ashes Test, opening the door for Usman Khawaja to return to the team at No.4.
Australian team officials have since confirmed Smith is being treated for a "potential vestibular issue" in the inner ear, resulting in dizziness and nauseousness over recent days.
There had been speculation before the toss that Smith had suffered a concussion after being hit in the nets, but it can be confirmed that was not the case.
Smith trained with Australia on both Saturday and Sunday, before skipping Monday's session.
He returned to the nets on Tuesday, and batted again before Wednesday in a bid to prove his fitness.
But it is understood discussions had been going on in the background throughout most of Tuesday around Smith's availability, before he was ruled out on Wednesday morning and returned to the team hotel.
"Steve is feeling a little bit unwell the last couple of days," captain Pat Cummins said at the 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."
Smith has experienced on-and-off vertigo symptoms for a number of years, and even hit a 62-ball century just hours after battling the issue ahead of an ODI against India in 2020.
The issues returned after a concussion in February 2022, prompting bouts of vertigo during a Test tour of Pakistan.
He also missed a game against Afghanistan at the 2023 ODI World Cup in India.
"I get it occasionally," Smith said at the time.
"I've had a few episodes. I can tell you it's not a fun space to be in."
Australia's medical staff are confident Smith will be able to return to face England in the Boxing Day Test at the MCG next Friday.
"Steve Smith was ruled out of the third Ashes Test in Adelaide today," a team spokesperson said.
"Over the past few days he has been feeling unwell, with symptoms including nausea and dizziness.
"He was assessed and monitored closely and was close to being available to play. However, given the persistence of symptoms, a decision was made not to proceed.
"He is being treated for a potential vestibular issue. This is something Steve has experienced intermittently in the past and is being managed accordingly.
"He is expected to be available for the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne."
