Was Usman Khawaja Not Out During AUS vs ENG 1st Ashes Test?

Australia’s Ashes campaign in Perth got off to an odd start when Usman Khawaja wasn’t allowed to open the batting. He’d spent a bit too long off the field earlier in the day during England's first innings, which meant the ICC regulations forced him to sit out the start of Australia’s innings.

The Englishmen are on top of the game at this moment as Carse got his second wicket by dismissing Usman Khawaja with a peach of a delivery. However, his wicket wasn't a simple one and it raised speculations whether he was rightly given out or not.

Was Usman Khawaja Out During the 1st Ashes Test?

It was a shorter one, from around the wicket, and it kicked off after hitting the pitch, taking Usman by absolute surprise. By the time he could bring his bat in front to block, the ball nicked off the shoulder of his bat, and Jamie Smith took a regulation catch behind the wicket.

However, there was a slight suspense regarding this wicket as during the replay it seemed that the ball might have nicked the gloves of Khawaja, and at the same time, there was no contact between the handle and his gloves as he was blocking the ball away from the body. But, as the ultra edge appeared, all the suspense and confusion regarding the caught behind appeal was cleared as the ball was nicking past the shoulder of the bat, and not the gloves.

As a result, Khawaja was dismissed for just 2 runs after facing 6 deliveries. It was an unusual knock from Khawaja, who is usually fluent and one of the best openers in the world. The left-handed batter had to bat down the order and that might have resulted in his uncomfortable stay at the crease.

Usman Khawaja Injury Update

While his wicket came under the discussion, Usman Khawaja's injury has brought new problems for Australia. The Australia opener didn't come out to bat in the second innings either as he was suffering back spasms. According to the reports, Khawaja played golf leading to the Test match which has resulted in his injury.

Usman Khawaja golf playing news resulted in a lot of scrutiny and he was widely criticized for his acts. However, Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg defended the Australian cricketer claiming that Mitchell Starc also did the same thing in the lead-up to this Test match. With this injury, Usman Khawaja Ashes participation also comes under scrutiny and it remains to be seen whether he can take further part.

Travis Head Takes Australia to Stunning Win

Travis Head opened the batting in Khawaja's absence in the second innings of the AUS vs ENG 1st Test and took Australia to a commanding victory. Head smashed a breathtaking 123 off just 83 balls to take his team to a memorable win in Perth. During this knock, he showed why he is among the most dangerous batsmen in the world as he completed his century off only 69 balls.

Australia chased down a stiff target of 205 runs in less than 29 overs with eight wickets in hand. It was a stunning effort from the home team as they made a mockery of England's target. Australia completed a thumping win in just two days and have taken a 1-0 lead in this series. They will be aiming to retain the Ashes once more and are on their way to achieve the target.