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.

What is Usman Khawaja Batting Position in AUS vs ENG 3rd Test?

Usman Khawaja, the usual opener for the Aussies for Years, was forced to bat lower down the order and did not open today in the AUS vs ENG 3rd Test. First, the batting lineup shocked fans, which made them question why Usman Khawaja was not opening AUS vs ENG Test, and later, Usman Khawaja's Batting position became a topic of curiosity.

The main reason why he is not opening today is linked to Australia’s new opening combination and recent match results. One of the best openers in the world, Travis Head and Jake Weatherald have delivered strong starts in the first two Tests, which pushed the team management to continue with the same opening pair. Even though Usman Khawaja has opened in Tests for years, the team felt that there was no need to disturb a combination that was working well.
Another key factor that pushed Usman Khawaja's batting position changes was Steve Smith being ruled out on the morning of the match due to illness. With Steve Smith unavailable, Khawaja was added to the AUS vs ENG 3rd Test Playing 11 but was asked to bat at number four instead of opening the match. This move will allow the team to stabilise the middle order in the absence of Smith and also if early wickets fall, adding more stability to the squad.

Usman Khawaja’s Role for Australia Ashes 2025-26

Usman Khawaja’s journey in the Ashes 2025-26 has been a ride of rollercoaster ride; he has played in the first test but struggled for runs, while Australia’s batting order went through several changes.

As the series progressed, team focus shifted to faster scoring combinations at the top, which later resulted in omission from the playing 11 and Usman Khawaja's batting position in Tests. Khawaja, with 3,168 runs at 46.58 since his recall during the 2021-22 Ashes, remains Australia's leading run scorer in Test cricket over the past four years. But more recently, his output has dropped, and he has struggled against high-pace bowlers.