Adelaide, Dec. 17 -- Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne's solid third-wicket partnership stabilised Australia's first innings after a chaotic Wednesday morning to be 94/2 at lunch on day 1 in the third Ashes Test in Adelaide against England.

The duo added 61 runs off 90 balls for the third wicket. Khawaja and Labuschagne settled in and began to look assured at the crease.

After winning the toss, Australian skipper Pat Cummins opted to bat. Australia has suffered a massive blow just before the third Ashes Test against England with news that star batter Steve Smith will miss the match due to illness.

Smith had been battling illness in the lead-up to the Adelaide Oval contest and was ruled out on the morning of the match, with Khawaja n...