Here’s why Usman Khawaja won’t open for Australia on day one of the 2025-26 Ashes Test against England
As EnglandThe rounds have come to an end, AustraliaThe leadoff batter was expected to seize territory for Day 1 of Ashes Test 2025-26 in Perth. However, Usman Khawajascheduled to open, was noticeably absent when Australia began its response. Marnus Labuschagne was instead sent to the top of the order, replacing Khawaja.
The reason why Usman Khawaja didn’t open for Australia on day one of the 2025-26 Ashes Test against England
Khawaja’s absence from the field during the latter stages of England’s innings forced a last-minute reshuffle in Australia’s batting order. Khawaja, who was absent from the field for almost half an hour, was unable to return in time to meet the requirement of spending a minimum of 23 minutes on the field before taking his place as flyhalf. The delay stemmed from a stomach problem that prevented Khawaja from fully recovering in time for his usual role at the top.
With the team needing to act quickly as England’s wickets collapsed, it was clear that Khawaja would not be able to return in time. Therefore, Marnus Labuschagne was tasked with filling the top spot alongside the debutant Jake Weatherald. Although the move was a temporary adjustment, it shook up the carefully planned batting lineup. Khawaja will have to wait his turn to bat once the mandatory on-field time is met, leaving Labuschagne to take the crucial first-innings position for the time being.
If you are wondering why Usman Khawaja didn’t open the match, he stayed out of the ground for too long and was therefore pushed back down the order. And a rule stipulating that he had to wait ten minutes before being allowed out meant he couldn’t go out to bat at three o’clock when Weatherald was dismissed at second… pic.twitter.com/D2rmJGFZXR
–ABC SPORT (@abcsport) November 21, 2025
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Ashes 2025-26: Australia’s steady response after England’s collapse on opening day of Perth Test
Australia found themselves in the middle of a tough chase after England were bowled out for 172 in just 32.5 overs. Despite the early loss of Weatherald, who was dismissed for a duck by Jofra ArcherAustralia’s response began cautiously. With Marnus Labuschagne (4 out of 23) and captain Steven Smith (3 of 22) inside the field, the hosts looked to slowly rebuild and take their time on a pitch that had proven tricky for both teams.
England’s collapse saw Australia trailing by 164 runs as the team took to the field to begin their innings. The conditions, which had caused England’s downfall, continued to offer assistance to the bowlers, with Archer and Atkinson both extracting movement from the pitch. Archer struck early, trapping Weatherald lbw for a duck, sending the Australian openers back to the drawing board. Despite the initial pressure, Labuschagne and Smith showed signs of resilience. Both players, although not scoring at a brisk rate, kept their wickets up and were aiming for a steadier start to what could be a long innings. The lack of runs meant Australia had a slow start, with just 8 runs on the board after 8 overs, but the longer they stayed at the crease the more comfortable they would become in what promises to be a tough test match.
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