Usman Khawaja Ruled out of AUS vs ENG Ashes Series? Here's an Update

The first Test match of the Ashes between Australia and England started on a dramatic note with 19 wickets falling on day 1. The pace bowlers, including Mitchell Starc, Jofra Archer, and Ben Stokes wreaked havoc on the batters, leaving no space for scoring runs.

Surprisingly, the match came to an early end with the home team registering a thumping win over their opponents However, they received a huge blow as star opener Usman Khawaja ashes journey halted for a while as he could not come out to bat.

Usman Khawaja Injury Update: Will He Miss Remaining Ashes Series?

While Australia are looking strong in the run chase, they are playing with one batter less. Usman Khawaja injury is the main reason behind him missing out of the first game during Australia's batting. He suffered a back spasm while fielding in the first innings. He left the field for eight minutes and then couldn't come to open the innings for Australia in the first innings.

Instead, Khawaja came down the order and got out for just two runs. His backache persisted and hence, he was unable to bat. The current situation has put Usman Khawaja Ashes campaign in jeopardy. His availability for the rest of the series will be considered by the team management. Khawaja, who is one of the best openers in the world currently, is one of the key players in Australia's batting order.

As per some speculations, Khawaja was seen playing Golf before the AUS vs ENG 1st Test and experts believe that it might be the reason behind his injury. Usman Khawaja Golf news spread like wild fire and Cricket Australia's Chief had to step in and clarify the issue.

“Did that correlate to any of the issues? I personally don’t think so. Usman’s a very seasoned campaigner, he knows his body well, and he knows how to get himself prepared for cricket. So I think that is drawing a long bow. A lot of people talk about cricket being played between the ears. So getting some time away from being in your hotel or at training I think is really important. I noticed Mitch Starc played golf with him, so it certainly didn’t impact his performance," said Cricket Australia Chief Todd Greenberg on SEN Radio on Saturday.

The left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc was phenomenal throughout the first Test taking seven and three wickets in both innings, respectively. Starc showed why he is among the best Test bowlers in the world as he helped Australia take a 1-0 lead in the series.

Australia Beat England by 8 wickets in 1st Ashes Test

The fans in Perth would have been disappointed as the 1st Test between Australia and England ended in just two days, however, the hosts were too good for their opponents. The game was played at a fast pace on a Perth pitch which assisted fast bowlers right from the beginning.

Australia were given a target of 195 runs, that they chased down with eight wickets to spare thanks to Travis Head's brilliant century. The hosts have taken a lead in the series and will be hoping to continue the momentum. For taking 10 wickets in the game, Mitchell Starc was given the Player of the Match award.