Why did Usman Khwaja once again not open innings in Aus vs Eng 2nd innings 1st Ashes Test?

Once again, the Aussie fast bowlers dominated as England were all out for 164 runs to set a 205-run fourth innings target for the hosts in the first Test of the Ashes 2025-26 at Perth Stadium in Perth. Just like their first innings of the match, the experienced Aussie opener Usman Khawaja didn’t come to bat as an opener in the fourth innings of the Test. 

Australia have a 205-run target to win the Test match and take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series with four to go. However, just like the first innings of the Australian innings in the match, Usman Khawaja couldn’t come to bat as an opener, as the debutant Jake Weatherald had the new opening partner as Travis Head. 

Watch: Mitchell Starc completes 10-wicket haul on Day 2 of 1st Test of The Ashes 2025-26

Usman Khawaja once again missed out on opening batting

During the second innings of England’s innings in the Perth Test, the first slip fielder Usman Khawaja went for a low catch to dismiss Jamie Smith. Although that tough attempt was unsuccessful, Cricket Australia reported that he might have tweaked his back, while he also suffered spasms during the first innings of the match.   

While Khawaja went to the dressing room, the stand-in captain Steven Smith was seen talking with the square leg umpire, presumably about whether he could bat as an opener if he stayed out of the field for an extended time. 

Later, Cricket Australia confirmed that Khawaja couldn’t bat as an opener in the fourth innings of the Perth Test. It was also clarified that he wouldn’t be able to open even if he was able to, as that injury wasn’t counted as an “external blow.” 

Unfortunately, Uzzie's not moving too well: Pat Cummins

Australian regular captain Pat Cummins, who isn’t playing the Ashes 2025-26 opener as he is recovering from his injury, later confirmed Khawaja’s injury during his presence at the broadcaster.  

Cummins claimed, "Unfortunately, Uzzie's not moving too well. His black flared up again, in the slips going for a jump above his head. So he's unable to open. So kinda working out if we shuffle everyone up like the first innings.” 

While Khawaja is struggling with his back spasms in the Perth Test, he has been criticized for his pre-match golf outings.