Why did Usman Khwaja not open innings in Aus vs Eng 1st Ashes Test?

After Australia bundled out England for only 172 runs in the first innings of the Ashes 2025-26, the hosts had the bizarre opening partners as the debutant Jake Weatherald and Marnus Labuschagne, while the experienced opener Usman Khawaja was in the dressing room. Khawaja didn’t even come to bat at number three, as the stand-in captain Steven Smith joined Labuschagne. Here we are discussing the reason why Usman Khawaja didn’t open the innings. 

Watch: Jaffa from Mitchell Starc clean bowled Ben Stokes on Day 1 of 1st Test of The Ashes

Is Usman Khawaja injured?

While England were bundled out in only 32.5 overs in the first innings of the Perth Test, Aussie opener Usman Khawaja wasn’t in the field for an extended time. There is no official reason that has been revealed for Khawaja’s extended absence from the field. However, Cricket Australia has confirmed that Khawaja isn’t injured.  

Due to his absence from the field for an extended time during England’s innings, Khawaja wasn’t allowed to open the innings for Australia. The former ICC Elite Panel umpire, Simon Taufel, confirmed that Khawaja was absent for 23 minutes from the field during England’s innings, while eight minutes are allowed in the case of non-injury.  

No Usman Khawaja at no.3 too

When Australia started their innings, Cricket Australia also confirmed that Khawaja would bat at number three. However, the debutant Jake Weatherald was dismissed for a duck on the second delivery he faced, as Khawaja still had to wait about 10 minutes to be available to bat. So, the stand-in skipper Steven Smith joined Labuschagne on the pitch. As they have already spent enough time, Khawaja is now available to bat.  

Mitchell Starc destroyed England

Aussie left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Starc produced his best bowling figures in a Test innings on Friday (November 21) morning, as he had the bowling figures of 12.5-4-58-7, while England were bundled out for only 172 runs. Only four English batters managed to reach double-digit scores, including crucial knocks from Ollie Pope (46) and Harry Brook (52).