The Three Burials of Usman Khawaja

PL reports that Steve Smith is out and Usman is back.

Steve Smith, flanked by Frank Dimasi, leaves Adelaide Oval

Have you ever seen that Tommy Lee Jones film The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada? It’s not everybody’s cup of tea, but for obvious reasons, I’m reminded of its plot after news that Usman Khawaja has been dug up and dusted off for the Adelaide Test.

Which, of course, is burying the lede.

Steve Smith is ill and left the ground half an hour before the toss. When Gideon and I walked past the nets this morning, I pointed out Khawaja having a net and thought little more of it. What else is he going to do?

Gideon mused about how good life would be if there were people to give you throwdowns any time you wanted one.

And then the rumours started to get out that Smith had been hit, was suffering vertigo, was ill … wasn’t going to play.

News came from the dressing rooms that all would be explained at the toss. In this instance, no news was bad news. And then Smith left the dressing rooms by the front door and walked slowly across the field with veteran security head Frank Dimasi.

At the toss, Pat Cummins confirmed that he was not coming back and that Usman would bat at No.4.