- Sport
- Cricket
Khawaja was unable to open the batting for Australia due to back spasms
Will CastleFriday 21 November 2025 15:47 GMTComments
CloseEngland's Carse reflects on an 'unbelievable' Ashes opening day
Join the Miguel Delaney: Inside Football newsletter and get behind-the-scenes access and unrivalled insight
Join the Miguel Delaney: Inside Football newsletter
Join the Miguel Delaney: Inside Football newsletter
Email*SIGN UPI would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice
Australia captain Pat Cummins has provided an update on Usman Khawaja after the veteran’s back spasms prompted a hasty reshuffle to their top order against England.
Khawaja was forced off the field with three overs of England’s innings left to get treatment and was replaced by Marnus Labuschagne in the batting order, who was originally pencilled in at number three.
Cummins, who was forced to sit out the first Test with a back injury of his own, is hopeful this won’t act another headache for the Aussie camp, who are also without Josh Hazlewood and Sean Abbott due to hamstring strains.
"Uzzie had some back spasms in the field, so he came off and was getting a bit of treatment, some heat in it, stretching on and off," Cummins told ABC.
Usman Khawaja did not open the batting for Australia in Perth (Getty Images)"He got on the wrong side of the timings – a few quick ones at the end meant that he couldn't bat, he missed it by a few minutes.
"I haven't seen him since he batted. He obviously went out there and batted and looks like he's moving okay. Back spasms, I think, are a little bit niggly, but you can kind of get through them.
"Get some anti-inflams and hopefully he's all right."
Cummins had insisted the experienced left-hander was fully fit ahead of the first Test but Khawaja, 38, left the field several times in the first three hours of play and was unable to open for Australia, instead entering fourth.
He survived for only six balls before being caught by Jamie Smith from a Brydon Carse delivery.
England were shot down for 172 in less than 33 overs but their pace brigade produced an emphatic reply, dragging down Australia to 123 for nine to leave them trailing by 49 after the first day.
More about
Usman KhawajaPat CumminsEngland cricketAustralia CricketJoin our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments
