Steve Smith-led Australia are struggling with minor injuries to Usman Khawaja and Nathan Lyon during the first Ashes 2025-26 Test match against England at the Optus Stadium in Perth. Khawaja again walked off the field, leaving Australia with the possibility of fielding a makeshift opener in the second innings.
England were looking settled at 65-1 but Scott Boland destroyed the team by taking three wickets in the space of 11 balls. Mitchell Starc then completed his third ten-wicket haul and the visitors were reduced to 88-6 before Jamie Smith departed. They were out for 164 runs, giving Australia a target of 204 runs.
Usman Khawaja walked out of the field during England’s second innings
Usman Khawaja’s back problem resurfaced during Australia’s innings, forcing him to leave the field as the visitors struggled to reach 104 for 6 in the 27th over.
Mark Howard said that Khawaja “could barely jog” as he left the field, while Michael Hussey said that the opening batsman looked to be in considerable discomfort.
Fox Cricket’s Mark Howard said, “He’s not moving well, is he Usman Khawaja? In fact he’s leaving the ground here.”
Michael Hussey responded, “You’re right he looks really sad.”
Howard added, “He can’t even gallop off the field, which is not a good sign for a guy who has to open the batting in a stressful race, he doesn’t look good. The physio needs to earn his keep and move him on.”
Osman left again
It seems that Australia may have to field a makeshift opener again in the second innings, as Usman Khawaja’s injury concerns have once again increased.
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– Fox Cricket (@FoxCricket) 22 November 2025
Usman Khawaja did not open for Australia in the first innings
Usman Khawaja did not open for Australia in the first innings in Perth. Khawaja spent a lot of time off the field for treatment of back spasms during England’s innings on Friday.
Under ICC rules, any player who leaves the field must spend the same amount of time on the field before being eligible to bat. The dramatic collapse of England’s lower order came while Khawaja was still serving his required playing time.
Khawaja was available to open the innings, but debutant Jake Weatherald walked out along with Marnus Labuschagne, while Steve Smith dropped in at No. 3. Khawaja batted at number 4, but could only score two runs before he was dismissed by Brydon Carse.
Notably, the 38-year-old player had skipped Thursday’s optional training session to play golf. Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg clarified that Khawaja’s back stiffness was an ongoing problem.
In Australia’s second innings, Travis Head opened the innings with Jake Weatherald.
Australia began their second innings with a new opening pair, as Travis Head walked out along with debutant Jake Weatherald. Usman Khawaja was once again unable to bat at the top, forcing the Australians into another reshuffle. Marnus Labuschagne was promoted in the first innings.
Head opened the innings for the 10th time in a Test and did so for the first time on Australian soil. All of his previous nine matches as a Test opener came in subcontinental conditions.
In the five Test matches played at Perth Stadium, no team has managed to successfully chase the target in the final innings. West Indies posted the highest score in the fourth innings at the venue in 2022 with 333 runs, while Pakistan recorded the lowest score in 2023 when they were bowled out for 89 runs.
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