Why is Usman Khawaja Not Opening AUS vs ENG 3rd Test The Ashes 2025-26?

The Ashes 2025-26 is underway and has reached a stage of the decider, AUS vs ENG 3rd Test match. The series has already grabbed a million eyes and attention from fans as they have entered the new chapter of the historic rivalry.

With Australia leading the series, every match has carried a strong influence on player performance, squad changes, and match strategy, and with the third Test match unfolding, the focus has now shifted to Australia’s commanding wins.

The third test match holds a strong chance for Australia to build on their dominance and seal the series early. With high expectations around the contest, fans have closely followed the announcement of the AUS vs ENG 3rd Test Playing 11 and were surprised to see changes.

First Australia kept one of the best batsmen in the world, Steve Smith out of the AUS vs ENG Playing XI and called Usman Khawaja as a replacement, and later the batting order was a shock to fans, causing a widespread discussion on why is Usman Khawaja not opening AUS vs ENG 3rd Test and why Australia had reshuffled their batting order, asking Usman Khawaja to come lower down the lineup.