Why is Usman Khawaja Not Opening in AUS vs ENG 1st Ashes Test?

England’s first innings in the opening Test of the 2025–26 Ashes hasn't started well. After choosing to bat in Perth, they were bundled for just 172 in a little over 30 overs, completely thrashed by a brilliant spell from Mitchell Starc, who is among the best bowlers in the world. He tore the top order apart on his way to a stunning seven-wicket haul.

Interestingly, when Australia came out to bat, Usman Khawaja, one of the best openers in the world, was not the one opening the innings for the Aussies. It was a surprise to see Khawaja not opening since he has been Australia's prime top order batter in Tests.

Why is Usman Khawaja Not Opening for Australia in 1st Ashes Test?

Marnus Labuschagne had to step in and open the batting after Usman Khawaja spent too much time off the field during England’s innings. Khawaja was sidelined for roughly 30 minutes late in Australia’s fielding effort, which meant he needed to be back out there for at least 23 minutes before he could legally open.

However, England collapsed quickly in the middle of the second session that Khawaja didn’t return in time, forcing him to delay his turn at the crease.

At 38 years old, Khawaja was forced to go off the field several times in the opening three hours, and he went off yet again when the score reached 152 for 5 after 29 overs.

Throughout the day, he struggled with stiffness in his back, and the second time he walked off, he was dealing with a sudden spasm. England’s batting collapse occurred while he was receiving treatment, prompting captain Steve Smith to urge him to return. Khawaja eventually came back for the closing stages of the innings, but under ICC regulations, he had not spent enough time on the field to be allowed to open the batting.

Although he had no pre-existing back problem, Usman Khawaja had played a full round of golf on Thursday, skipping Australia’s optional training session, and had also played earlier in the week, which is not unusual for him before a Test. Mitchell Starc, who claimed a career-best 7 for 58 on Friday, was among several players and coaches who also played that day.

Pacers Shine as 19 Wickets Fell During AUS vs ENG 1st Test

Australia came out to bat for their first innings and debutant Weatherald walked out to face the opening over from Jofra Archer, but his time at the crease was short because of a quick, full-length delivery that crashed into the pads and brought him down at the ground, leaving him out leg-before without scoring a run.

Because the wicket fell so early, Smith was forced to come in at No. 3, a position he had not played in a Test match since 2017. Usman Khawaja Ashes performance hasn't exactly been impressive. He came out to bat at No. 4 after Labuschagne was dismissed by Archer shortly after the tea break. He managed only 2 runs before edging an excellent ball from Carse through to the wicketkeeper.

Australia continued to find batting difficult, and by stumps, they were 123 for 9. So, the first day of the Ashes 2025 saw all sorts of drama and was a complete entertainer as 19 wickets fell on a single day, and now, the visitors will be looking to take a lead of nearly 40 runs and then try to score a match-winning total in order to stay ahead in the Ashes.