Pressure is mounting on Usman Khawaja following a challenging start to Australia’s Ashes campaign against England. The veteran opener’s struggles with fitness and form have come under the spotlight after a disappointing first day at Perth Stadium.
Khawaja was unable to open the batting on Saturday afternoon due to spending excessive time off the field during England’s innings. Initially, Cricket Australia attributed his absence to “toilet breaks and stretching,” but it was later revealed that the 38-year-old had suffered from back spasms and stiffness.
“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,” explained Australian captain Pat Cummins. “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.”
In Khawaja’s absence, Marnus Labuschagne was forced to open, while debutant Jake Weatherald was dismissed for a second-ball duck by England’s Jofra Archer. Khawaja, batting at No. 4, was out for just 2 runs, leaving Australia in a precarious position at 4-31.
Khawaja’s Form and Fitness Under the Microscope
Since the beginning of 2024, Khawaja has averaged just 24.80 in home Tests, with only two fifties in 17 innings. Despite dismissing claims of vulnerability to high-speed bowling, his recent dismissal has reignited speculation about his form.
Adding to the scrutiny, Khawaja opted to skip an optional training session to play golf on Thursday, a decision that has been questioned by some. However, Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg defended the move, noting that several players, including Mitchell Starc, joined him on the course.
“It’s not uncommon for a lot of them to play golf the day prior,” Greenberg stated. “I know Usman’s a very seasoned campaigner, he knows his body well and how to prepare for cricket.”
Implications for Khawaja’s Future
Former Test spinner Kerry O’Keeffe suggested that Khawaja’s back spasms “completely disrupted” Australia’s innings, putting his place in the Test side at risk. With an average of 18 in his last six home Tests, Khawaja is under pressure to perform in the second innings.
“He needs runs in the second innings – he has to open regardless of his back – and he possibly has enough credit to go to Brisbane. But if he were to fail, his career may be over. He’s 38. Usman’s under the cosh,” O’Keeffe remarked.
Potential Changes in the Lineup
Meanwhile, reserve wicketkeeper Josh Inglis was promoted to open for the Cricket Australia XI against the England Lions, sparking theories of a potential top-order shakeup. Inglis, along with Mitchell Marsh, is considered a candidate to adopt a more aggressive opening strategy akin to the successful approach against India last summer.
Marsh is expected to play in Western Australia’s upcoming Sheffield Shield match, with reports suggesting he might open the batting. Additionally, Queensland’s Matthew Renshaw and Victoria’s Campbell Kellaway are slated to open for Australia A against the England Lions, further indicating possible changes in the national team’s strategy.
As the Ashes series progresses, selectors face challenging decisions regarding the lineup. Should they opt for a top-order switch, it could potentially deny Khawaja a farewell Test at the SCG in January, marking a significant turning point in his career.
