New Zealand’s premier T20 competition returns this Boxing Day as the Super Smash 2025-26 season gets underway. The campaign begins at Hamilton’s Seddon Park, where the Northern Knights will host the Auckland Aces to kick off a summer of high-octane cricket.

The Central Stags enter the tournament as the team to beat, looking to defend their crown in a competitive double round-robin format. The schedule features 32 matches across six regional sides, all vying for a spot in the finals weekend, which is set to take place at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on January 30–31.

Super Smash 2025-26: The competitors

The league features six teams mixing seasoned domestic veterans with potential international stars.

Here is a look at the contenders:

1. Central Stags: The title holders will be looking to replicate last season’s winning formula.
2. Auckland Aces: Known for their strong batting depth, they will look to dominate with the willow.
3. Canterbury Kings: With the finals scheduled for their home ground (Hagley Oval), they have a massive incentive to go deep.
4. Northern Knights: Have the honour of launching the season at home against Auckland on December 26.
5. Otago Volts: Face an early test in the schedule against Canterbury.
6. Wellington Firebirds: Will look to make their home games at the historic Basin Reserve count.

Super Smash 2025-26: Full squads

1) Auckland Aces

Sid Dixit, Cam Fletcher, Matt Gibson, Rohit Gulati, Bevon Jacobs, Harrish Kannan, Simon Keene, Ben Lister, Jock McKenzie, Angus Olliver, Dale Phillips, Samrath Singh, Sean Solia, Lachie Stackpole, Jordan Sussex

2) Canterbury Kings

Chad Bowes, Matt Boyle, Leo Carter, Jesse Frew, Scott Janett, Rhys Mariu, Cole McConchie, Angus Mckenzie, Cam Paul, Henry Shipley, Ish Sodhi, Michael Rae, Michael Rippon, Matt Rowe, Fraser Sheat

3) Central Stags

Doug Bracewell, Tom Bruce, Will Clark, Josh Clarkson, Dane Cleaver, Toby Findlay, Dean Foxcroft, Curtis Heaphy, Jayden Lennox, Ajaz Patel, Brett Randell, Angus Schaw, Brad Schmulian, Blair Tickner, Ray Toole

4) Northern Brave

Xavier Bell, Josh Brown, Joe Carter, Katene Clarke, Kristan Clarke, Henry Cooper, Matthew Fisher, Zak Gibson, Brett Hampton, Scott Kuggeleijn, Robbie O’Donnell, Ben Pomare, Bharat Popli, Tim Pringle, Jeet Raval

Also READ: Super Smash 2025/26 Schedule – Broadcast, Live Streaming details | When and where to watch in India, New Zealand & other countries

5) Otago Volts

Matt Bacon, Jack Boyle, Max Chu, Mason Clarke, Jacob Cumming, Danru Ferns, Luke Georgeson, Jake Gibson, Andrew Hazeldine, Llew Johnson, Troy Johnson, Ben Lockrose, Jarrod McKay, Thorn Parkes, Jamal Todd

6) Wellington Firebirds

Liam Dudding, Nick Greenwood, James Hartshorn, Nick Kelly, Callum McLachlan, Samuel Morgan, Sam Mycock, Amogh Paranjpe, Tim Robinson, Gareth Severin, Michael Snedden, Jesse Tashkoff, Logan van Beek, Peter Younghusband, Yahya Zeb

Also READ: New Zealand announces white-ball squads for the India tour; no Kane Williamson and Jacob Duffy in ODIs

England fast bowler Chris Jordan has sparked discussion among cricket fans by unveiling his all-time Indian Premier League (IPL) XI ahead of the 2026 season. Shared via the Crictracker Instagram handle, Jordan’s selection features some of the most iconic names in IPL history, with MS Dhoni named as captain.

However, the biggest talking point from Jordan’s XI is the absence of Rohit Sharma, despite Jordan having previously played under him at Mumbai Indians (MI). The omission has ignited debate over selection criteria, leadership value, and individual impact in T20 cricket.

Chris Jordan’s all-time IPL XI: Star-studded line-up

Jordan’s chosen XI reflects a blend of explosive batting, proven all-rounders, and elite bowlers who have consistently delivered in the IPL over the years. At the top of the order, he has opted for Chris Gayle and Virat Kohli, two of the most dominant run-scorers the tournament has ever seen.

The middle order is equally formidable, featuring Suryakumar Yadav at No. 3, followed by Suresh Raina at No. 4 and AB de Villiers at No. 5. Together, the trio represents a mix of consistency, innovation, and match-winning pedigree.

For the all-rounder roles, Jordan has included Hardik Pandya at No. 6, offering balance with both bat and ball, while Dhoni slots in at No. 7 as wicketkeeper-captain. The bowling attack is stacked with proven IPL veterans: Sunil Narine, Jasprit Bumrah, Lasith Malinga and Yuzvendra Chahal.

MS Dhoni to lead Chris Jordan’s all-time IPL XI

Jordan’s decision to appoint Dhoni as captain is hardly surprising given the former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper’s legendary IPL legacy. Dhoni is widely regarded as one of the greatest leaders in T20 history, having guided CSK to five championship titles while maintaining remarkable consistency in playoff appearances. His calm presence, tactical awareness, and finishing ability appear to have given him the edge over other leadership contenders.

Also READ: Rahul Chahar reveals his all-time IPL XI, no place for Andre Russell and Sunil Narine

Why Rohit Sharma misses out on Jordan’s XI?

The exclusion of Rohit Sharma stands out, particularly because of his unmatched success as an IPL captain. Rohit has led Mumbai Indians to five titles and is one of the most decorated players in the league’s history. However, Jordan’s selection suggests a clear preference for individual batting impact and adaptability over captaincy records alone.

By choosing Gayle and Kohli as openers, Jordan appears to have prioritised explosive starts and run-scoring dominance at the top of the order. With Dhoni already named as captain, leadership may not have been a decisive factor in selecting the playing XI, ultimately leaving Rohit on the sidelines.

Also READ: Not CSK! Amit Mishra predicts the top 4 of IPL 2026

Indian cricket icon Rohit Sharma once again won hearts during a Vijay Hazare Trophy match, this time not just with his bat but with a light-hearted interaction that quickly took over social media.

During Mumbai’s Elite Group C clash against Sikkim in Jaipur, Rohit’s cute reaction to a fan’s shout of “Rohit bhai, vada pav khaoge?” became an instant viral hit.

The moment unfolded in front of thousands at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, highlighting Rohit’s enduring popularity and his ability to connect effortlessly with fans even in domestic cricket.

Boundary-line banter lights up the stadium

Rohit responds with a smile, not annoyance

While fielding near the boundary rope, Rohit became the focus of attention when a group of fans loudly offered him home-made vada pav, a snack long associated with him through memes and fan culture. Instead of ignoring the call or appearing irritated, Rohit turned toward the stand with a broad smile.

He raised his hand and made a playful “no” or “not now” gesture, acknowledging the fans with warmth. The response drew a massive cheer from the crowd, instantly turning the exchange into a feel-good moment.

Short clips captured from the stands spread rapidly across Instagram Reels, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube Shorts, with fans praising Rohit’s humour and down-to-earth nature.

A fan said – Rohit bhai Vadapav khaoge kya?
Rohit Sharma said – No

Bro is strictly following his diet plan 😂❤️ pic.twitter.com/IVrodC0WM3

— Tejash (@Tejashyyyyy) December 24, 2025

Rohit’s association with vada pav has long been a running joke among Indian cricket fans, symbolising both his Mumbai roots and his approachable public image. The Jaipur moment showed how that meme culture has now blended seamlessly into live stadium experiences.

Rather than distancing himself from the joke, Rohit embraced it in good spirit, reinforcing why he remains one of the most beloved figures in Indian cricket.

Also READ: Reason behind BCCI moving Virat Kohli’s Vijay Hazare Trophy matches from Chinnaswamy to CoE

Rohit’s dominant on-field performance follows viral moment

The light-hearted interaction was followed by a commanding cricketing statement. Later in the match, Rohit produced a sensational 155 off just 94 balls while chasing 237 against Sikkim, steering Mumbai to a dominant win.

The innings marked a stunning return to List A cricket, reminding everyone that even while enjoying fan banter, Rohit’s focus and hunger for runs remain intact.

𝗥𝗼𝗵𝗶𝘁 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗮 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄 🍿

1⃣5⃣5⃣ runs
9⃣4⃣ balls
1⃣8⃣ fours
9⃣sixes

Rohit Sharma announced his return to the #VijayHazareTrophy in a grand fashion with a memorable knock against Sikkim 🔥@IDFCFIRSTBank | @ImRo45 pic.twitter.com/cuWMUenBou

— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) December 24, 2025

Reports from the venue noted that over 10,000 fans turned up in Jaipur, many specifically to watch Rohit bat. Throughout the game, chants of “Rohit, Rohit” echoed around the stadium, creating an atmosphere more typical of an international fixture than a domestic one-day match.

Also READ: Fans go berserk as Rohit Sharma smashes an explosive century against Sikkim in Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26

The IPL 2026 auction saw one of its most debated moments when Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) splurged ₹18 crore on Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana, a player released by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) just months earlier. Now, KKR co-owner Jahnavi Mehta has revealed the clear thinking behind what many initially labelled a risky move.

Jahnavi Mehta explains KKR’s bold call for Matheesha Pathirana

According to Mehta, the decision was not emotional or reactive, but a calculated response to KKR’s biggest weakness during the IPL 2025 season – ineffective death bowling.

Speaking about the auction strategy in an interview with MyKhel, Mehta explained that KKR’s management conducted a detailed review of the previous season and found a recurring issue.

“I think one of the key gaps we identified last year was the lack of an experienced death bowler, and it cost us in several crucial situations,” she said.

KKR lost multiple tight games in the final overs in IPL 2025, where an inability to close out innings proved costly. Fixing that specific role became the franchise’s top priority heading into the mini-auction.

After analysing the auction pool, KKR felt the market offered very few reliable death-overs specialists with proven IPL credentials.

Mehta revealed that only Pathirana and Mustafizur Rahman fit the profile KKR were looking for.

“When there’s such limited supply, only Pathirana and Mustafizur truly fit that proven IPL profile with death bowling expertise,” she said.

With almost every franchise hunting for a reliable finisher with the ball, KKR anticipated intense bidding. Their internal valuation hovered around ₹15-16 crore, but they were prepared to stretch further to avoid missing out.

Why KKR pushed to ₹18 crore for Pathirana?

As the bidding escalated, KKR decided to go beyond their initial comfort zone.

“Everyone wants a reliable death bowler, so we knew it would be around 15-16 crores. We pushed a bit harder because he was a top priority, stretching to 18 crores, and we managed to secure him,” Mehta explained.

The franchise believes the premium price reflects scarcity rather than overvaluation, especially in a league where death-overs specialists can directly swing results.

Also READ: Here’s how long KKR’s ₹9.2 crore pacer Mustafizur Rahman will be out of IPL 2026 – Details inside

Why CSK let Pathirana go and why KKR still believe in him?

CSK released Pathirana after a modest 2025 season, partly to free up around ₹13 crore in purse space. However, KKR are backing the bowler’s earlier body of work, particularly his standout IPL 2023 campaign, where he picked up 19 wickets in 12 matches and played a key role in CSK’s title run.

Pathirana’s Lasith Malinga-style slingy action, extreme yorker accuracy and raw pace are skills KKR see as rare commodities in the current market.

KKR also believe Pathirana’s skill set is tailor-made for Eden Gardens, where flat pitches and short boundaries regularly produce high-scoring contests.

At such venues, a bowler who can nail yorkers under pressure becomes invaluable. KKR view Pathirana as a potential match-winner in tight finishes, capable of defending slim totals or stopping last-over chases.

Also READ: IPL 2026 Auction – Here’s why Cameron Green will receive only INR 18 crore even though KKR bought him for INR 25.2 crore

In a revealing rapid-fire session on journalist Vimal Kumar’s YouTube channel, Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal provided a rare glimpse into the dynamics of the national dressing room and his personal life. The 23-year-old, who has quickly become a mainstay in the national setup, shared his perspectives on high-pressure match scenarios and the off-field camaraderie he enjoys with his teammates. By sharing these lighthearted details, Jaiswal allowed fans to see the grounded personality behind his explosive batting performances on the world stage.

Yashasvi Jaiswal reveals his ‘super over’ batting partner in the rapid-fire round

During the interview, Jaiswal was put on the spot with a series of quick-fire questions, revealing his deep trust in senior leadership and the playful side of his relationships with fellow young stars.

• Super Over Batting Partner: Jaiswal chose legendary batter Rohit Sharma.
• The “Superman” of the Team: He assigned this nickname to Tilak Varma.
• The “Spider-Man” of the Team: Wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel was his pick for this title.
• A Hidden Talent: Jaiswal revealed he is an avid cook: “I love cooking… whatever I feel like, mainly eggs, tea, coffee, and sometimes meat.”

Also READ: Amit Mishra opens up on rumours claiming MS Dhoni hindered his career

A landmark 2025 year for the Indian southpaw Jaiswal

The year 2025 has been a defining period for Jaiswal, during which he officially joined the elite list of Indian batters to score centuries across all three international formats. He reached this milestone on December 6, 2025, in Visakhapatnam, where he struck a patient yet commanding maiden ODI century of 116 off 121 balls* against South Africa. This performance not only helped India clinch the series 2–1 but also saw him join legendary names like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli as one of only six Indians to achieve the triple-format ton feat.

Beyond the international arena, Jaiswal’s 2025 season has been marked by record-breaking domestic displays and significant Test milestones. In July 2025, he dominated the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England, amassing over 700 runs in the series, including notable centuries at Leeds and The Oval. More recently, in December 2024, he lit up the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy for Mumbai by smashing a blistering 48-ball century against Haryana, facilitating a record successful chase of 235. Despite a recent bout of acute gastroenteritis that briefly sidelined him, his stats for 2025, including three Test tons and his maiden ODI century, confirm his status as a cornerstone of India’s future batting lineup.

Also READ: New Zealand announces white-ball squads for the India tour; no Kane Williamson and Jacob Duffy in ODIs

The BCCI’s decision to move Virat Kohli’s Vijay Hazare Trophy matches from Bengaluru’s iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium to the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) has now been clarified, with security and compliance issues emerging as the decisive factors behind the shift. What was initially expected to be a high-profile comeback for Kohli in front of home crowds instead unfolded quietly behind closed doors on the outskirts of the city.

Virat Kohli’s anticipated return to Chinnaswamy that never happened

Early reports suggested that Kohli would make his return to competitive cricket at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, which was initially listed as the host venue for Delhi’s Vijay Hazare Trophy fixtures.

For Bengaluru fans, this carried emotional significance. After months of uncertainty following the June 4 stampede outside the stadium, Kohli’s return in domestic cricket was seen as a symbolic step toward reclaiming the ground for major matches.

Instead, the opening fixture against Andhra Pradesh was quietly relocated to the BCCI Centre of Excellence, with no spectators allowed.

Government and police deny permission for Chinnaswamy

The primary reason behind the relocation was the Karnataka government and police refusing permission to host matches at Chinnaswamy. Following the fatal June stampede, a government-appointed inspection committee assessed the stadium’s readiness and found serious lapses.

According to media reports, several critical crowd-safety recommendations – including new entry and exit gates, proper queuing zones, evacuation planning, parking management, and pedestrian flow – have not been implemented. With these shortcomings unresolved, authorities deemed the venue unsafe for large gatherings.

Based on this assessment, the Home Ministry denied approval for Vijay Hazare Trophy matches at Chinnaswamy, especially with crowd-pullers like Kohli and Rishabh Pant expected to attract massive festive-season attendance.

Why the BCCI chose the Centre of Excellence?

With Chinnaswamy ruled out, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) was instructed to shift all Bengaluru-based Vijay Hazare fixtures to the Centre of Excellence near Aerospace Park. The CoE has recently hosted Duleep Trophy and India A matches without spectators, making it a proven low-risk option.

Authorities felt the CoE offered tighter security control, limited access points, and a safer short-term solution while Chinnaswamy undergoes structural upgrades and compliance checks.

Kohli delivers masterclass at CoE despite empty stands

While the crowd was missing, the cricket was not. Kohli walked into the CoE and reminded everyone why the 50-over format remains his comfort zone.

Chasing 299, he smashed a commanding 131 off 101 balls, bringing up his fifty in just 39 deliveries and his hundred in 83 balls.

Also READ: Virat Kohli equals Sachin Tendulkar’s legendary feat in his Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 return for Delhi

𝐕𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐭 𝐊𝐨𝐡𝐥𝐢 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 😎

1️⃣3️⃣1️⃣ runs
1️⃣0️⃣1️⃣ balls
1️⃣4️⃣ fours
3️⃣ sixes

A terrific knock from Virat Kohli as he guided Delhi to a 4️⃣-wicket victory against Andhra 👏

He also completed 1️⃣6️⃣0️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ runs in Men’s List A cricket 🫡 @IDFCFIRSTBank | @imVkohli |… pic.twitter.com/kCfdl3yux1

— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) December 24, 2025

Delhi cruised to 300/6 in 37.4 overs, rendering Ricky Bhui’s 122 for Andhra Pradesh a mere footnote.

The only thing absent from the performance was the roar of a packed stadium.

Also READ: Fans go wild as Virat Kohli smashes 83-ball century for Delhi in his historic Vijay Hazare Trophy return vs Andhra Pradesh

Australia vs England, 4th Ashes Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground sets the stage for high drama on Boxing Day, December 26, 2025. With Australia leading the 2025-26 Ashes series 3-0 after dominant wins in Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide, the Boxing Day clash offers England a chance to salvage pride despite the urn already retained by the hosts. Both teams face key absences, intensifying the battle at the iconic MCG, where over 90,000 fans traditionally pack the stands for this festive showdown.​

Australia and England both lose their frontline pacers

Australian captain Pat Cummins, returning from a five-month back stress injury layoff, has been ruled out of the remainder of the Ashes series as a precautionary measure by team management. After featuring in limited action post his July 2025 comeback against West Indies, coaches opted not to risk long-term fitness, especially with the series secured, paving the way for Steve Smith to lead at the MCG. This rest aligns with preparations potentially eyeing the 2026 T20 World Cup, allowing pacers like Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood to shoulder the load on a pitch known for early bounce and carry favouring quicks.​

England’s campaign hits rock bottom with pace spearhead Jofra Archer sidelined for the final two Tests due to a left side strain, capping a nightmare tour where the visitors trail 0-3. Archer, England’s standout performer with nine wickets across the first three Tests despite his injury-plagued history, exits after impressing post a four-year Test absence, replaced by Gus Atkinson in the XI alongside Jacob Bethell for dropped Ollie Pope. Ben Stokes now leads a depleted attack featuring Atkinson, Josh Tongue, Brydon Carse, and spinner Will Jacks, testing their resolve against Australia’s formidable batting on a surface where pacers have claimed 124 of recent wickets.​

Also READ: Ashes 2025-26: England unveils their playing XI for the Boxing Day Test; no place for Ollie Pope and Jofra Archer

Melbourne Weather Forecast for the Boxing Day Test

Day 1

The opening day of the Test at the MCG is expected to be played under mostly cloudy and breezy conditions, with temperatures hovering around a cool 16 degrees during the day and dropping to 11 degrees at night. Strong south-southwesterly winds could make batting tricky, especially under lights, as low cloud cover is likely to assist swing bowling. While there is a small chance of a light shower, rain is unlikely to disrupt play, keeping conditions ideal for fast bowlers to make early inroads.

Day 2

Day two should bring similar challenges for batters, with persistent low clouds and cool weather continuing to aid seam movement. Afternoon winds are expected to pick up, further assisting the pacers. The morning session may test the technique and patience of top-order batters, although conditions are forecast to ease out as the day progresses.

Day 3

The third day marks a clear shift in weather, with sunshine and warmer temperatures setting in. With no rain expected and improved bounce on offer, batting should become more comfortable. As the pitch settles, stroke-makers, particularly in the middle order, could take control and post significant runs.

Day 4

By day four, the Test is likely to be played under bright sunshine and rising heat. The warmer conditions will test players’ stamina, and as the surface starts to show wear, spinners may finally come into play. Tactical declarations and calculated chases could define the day’s narrative.

Day 5

The final day is forecast to be the hottest, with very warm and clear conditions favoring aggressive batting. Any target set could be chased with intent, provided wickets remain in hand. Overall, the evolving MCG surface and uninterrupted weather promise a full, gripping contest where bowlers strike early, batters cash in later, and the match builds toward a dramatic summer finish.

Overall, the forecast signals minimal interruptions, shifting from cool, bowler-friendly opening days to batting paradises later, amplifying tactical intrigue at the MCG. Australia’s depth gives them edge, but England’s fightback hinges on exploiting early seam amid these conditions.

Also READ: ‘My role is to protect’: England captain Ben Stokes breaks silence on drinking controversy ahead of Boxing Day Test vs Australia

The 2025/26 Ashes have been retained by Australia in record-breaking fashion, but the Boxing Day Test at the MCG remains the crown jewel of the cricket calendar. While the urn is staying in Australia after a dominant 3-0 start, pride, World Test Championship points, and individual careers are very much on the line as 90,000+ fans descend on Melbourne.

Australia enter the MCG on a high after clinical victories in Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide. The series was sealed in just 11 days of play—the fastest since 2002/03. England, meanwhile, are in damage-control mode. After failing to pass 300 consistently and struggling to contain a rampant Australian middle order, Ben Stokes‘ side faces the daunting task of avoiding a 5-0 whitewash.

Team combinations

Steve Smith returns to lead the side as Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the remainder of the series to manage a back issue. Legendary spinner Nathan Lyon is out with a hamstring injury, opening the door for Todd Murphy. When it comes to England, 21-year-old Jacob Bethell has been called up to debut at No. 3, replacing Ollie Pope, who was dropped after a string of low scores. Their best performer of the tour, Jofra Archer, is out with a side strain. Gus Atkinson returns to the side to provide the pace threat. Stokes and Joe Root remain the heart of the team, but they need support from the likes of Zak Crawley and Harry Brook to post a competitive total.

Boxing Day Test Pitch Report

The MCG pitch for the 2025 Boxing Day Test is expected to be a high-quality, balanced surface that continues the venue’s recent trend of being one of Australia’s most improved cricket wickets. Expect a “green tinge” and moisture on Day 1. With an unseasonably cool forecast (topping at 17°C), the ball is expected to swing and seam significantly in the first two sessions. Traditionally, the MCG pitch flattens out during Days 2 and 3. Once the initial moisture evaporates, it becomes an excellent surface for stroke play, favoring set batters.

Also WATCH: Ben Duckett’s drunk video goes viral amid Ashes 2025–26 setback

Test stats and records at Melbourne Cricket Ground

• Total Matches: 119
• Matches won batting first: 58
• Matches won bowling first: 43
• Average 1st innings Score: 307
• Average 2nd innings Score: 314
• Average 3rd innings Score: 251
• Average 4th innings Score: 171
• Highest total recorded: 624/8 (142 Ovs) By Australia vs Pakistan
• Lowest total recorded: 36/10 (23.2 Ovs) By South Africa vs Australia
• Highest score chased: 332/7 (159.5 Ovs) By England vs Australia
• Lowest score defended: 83/10 (48.4 Ovs) By Australia vs India

Also READ: Ashes 2025-26: England unveils their playing XI for the Boxing Day Test; no place for Ollie Pope and Jofra Archer

Australia‘s vice-captain Steve Smith has been cleared to play in the iconic Boxing Day Test against England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne, starting on December 26. Steve Smith also opened up about a “weird” episode of vestibular dysfunction that threatened his return and worsened during training in Adelaide.

Australia’s batting mainstay was troubled by vestibular issues that worsened over four days of training at the Adelaide Oval. Unlike previous bouts of vertigo, this time the problem was more severe, and eventually, he decided to withdraw from the third Ashes 2025-26 Test.

Steve Smith Reveals ‘Weird’ Health Scare, As He Cleared for Boxing Day Test Return

Australian vice-captain struggled to pick up the ball early, felt heavy in the head, was unable to focus properly, and became unusually exhausted after even short training sessions. Each time he lifted his head to face a delivery, his vision felt out of sync.

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Read Also: Huge blow for Australia! Pat Cummins doubtful for T20 World Cup 2026

The symptoms intensified despite repeated attempts to train. Batting sessions, light activity, and even a game of golf left him feeling worse. Later, Smith underwent medical checkups that required him to wear vestibular goggles to help doctors better identify the source of his problems.

The right-handed batter was given a strict recovery plan involving eye-tracking drills, laser-guided exercises, balance control, and neck-strengthening exercises. The seasoned batter has a history of head knocks and balance-related issues, but this episode was different and stunned him.

I Was a Bit Worried”: Steve Smith’s Vestibular Battle

Now, Smith has been cleared to play at the MCG, and he has also shut down rumors of a net-session concussion and confirmed the issue was purely vestibular. The Australian vice-captain was quoted as saying by The Age: “I’ve had a few different things with my head in the past—head knocks, some vestibular stuff, some vertigo stuff. It was more the vestibular stuff this time.”

Smith further explained, “I’m still talking to people about it. I’ve got some training exercises I need to do, tracking things, wearing goggles with a laser on them, drawing different shapes, and things like that. So, it’ll be a bit of that, strengthening my neck. Fingers crossed it’s gone and never comes back. That would be nice.”

Read Also: Ben Stokes issues official statement on Ben Duckett drunk video as ECB disciplinary action looms

The Aussie star also revealed that the eye black he used in the day-night Test in Brisbane will now be something he keeps using regularly in his kit. He shared, “The black things I was wearing under my eyes, I’m 100 percent certain they worked, and I think I’ll be bringing them out in normal night games against the white ball as well.”

Steve Smith also defended England head coach Brendon McCullum’s “overpreparing” remark that he made after losing the first two Tests Down Under. The veteran batter explained that he has reduced the amount of training he does to keep his body fresh.

He signed off by saying, “I think sometimes, particularly when you lose, you almost try too much and too hard, and you lose sight of the fact that you want to be mentally fresh when you go in the middle. Sometimes you just try too hard to get yourself into that frame of mind, and you’re actually cooked when you go out to the middle to try to perform under pressure. I’ve learned that over time.”