Veteran Australian batsman Usman Khawaja has responded to criticism regarding his preparation for the Ashes 2025-26 series against England. Fans and former Australian cricketers questioned Khawaja’s professionalism, especially after back spasms limited his time on the field during the first Test match.
Khawaja faced a tough performance in Perth and the match ended with almost no runs. He was unable to bat in both innings of the first Ashes match due to back spasms. Travis Head scored an aggressive century at the top, laying the foundation for Australia’s impressive eight-wicket win over England.
Usman Khawaja’s preparation for the first Ashes Test is being scrutinized
Usman Khawaja’s preparations for the first Ashes Test have come under scrutiny. It was reported that he played golf all three days before the match, even skipping an optional training session to take part in the Pro-Am round.
Khawaja was suffering from back spasms during the match. The left-handed batsman was forced not to bat in his usual opening role. According to ICC rules, he was prevented from batting until that time had passed. Khawaja came at number four and scored only 2 runs.
Australia put Travis Head on top in the second innings and he scored a brilliant century to lead the team to victory. Head’s performance has increased the pressure on Khawaja before the next Test in Brisbane.
Usman Khawaja’s social media updates have further fueled the debate about his preparation
Usman Khawaja’s social media updates have further fueled the ongoing debate regarding his preparation. After questions were raised about his training, he shared an Instagram carousel that featured a mix of moments from the week.
Khawaja shared action shots of Mitchell Starc’s one-handed catch-and-bowl and a lakeside golf-course image celebrating Scott Boland’s wicket, and captioned it, “What a week! It had everything.” The choice of images sparked even more criticism, as many saw it as an indirect response to his critics.
Current and former cricketers made fun of his Instagram post. Pat Cummins reacted with a golf-swing emoji, while David Warner wrote “FOUREEEE”. Former fast bowler Trent Copeland added laughing emojis.
From the outside, it doesn’t look great – Michelle Johnson
Former Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson criticized Usman Khawaja’s preparation before the first Test. He said golf can help players relax, but it should not be at the expense of professionalism.
Johnson wrote in a column for The Nightly, “Everyone has their own way of preparing and I’m not against players using golf as a way of switching off. But you also have to be professional. Khawaja reportedly played golf for three consecutive days in Perth before the first day of the first Test.”
“And I think Khawaja’s teammates who don’t spend as much time on the golf course may not be as sympathetic either. These little moments in an elite game matter. From the outside, it doesn’t look great.”
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