Cricket Australia has strongly backed Usman Khawaja after the veteran opener came under heavy scrutiny for choosing to play a round of golf on the eve of the first Ashes Test—a decision many critics linked to the back stiffness that prevented him from opening Australia’s innings. The 38-year-old, widely regarded as one of Australia’s most dependable top-order batsmen, walked off the field late on Friday during England’s innings just as wickets were tumbling.

His absence for more than eight minutes triggered a key playing condition: he could not bat until the same duration had passed once Australia’s chase began. This rule forced Australia into an unexpected reshuffle. Debutant Jake Weatherald was asked to open with Marnus Labuschagne, but the youngster’s introduction to Test cricket was brief—a two-ball duck under immense pressure.

Because the eight-minute window had not yet passed, Steve Smith was compelled to walk in at No. 3 far earlier than planned. Usman Khawaja eventually arrived at No. 4, but his stay was short-lived as he lasted just six balls, intensifying scrutiny around his pre-match preparation. The unusual sequence prompted strong reactions from former Australian players.

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Tom Moody said on ABC that he was “stunned,” expressing disbelief that Australia risked their most experienced batter missing the opening slot. He labelled the situation “impoverished management,” stressing that Usman Khawaja’s leadership and stability at the top were crucial heading into such a high-pressure series. Former coach Darren Lehmann echoed this sentiment, calling the situation “disappointing” and emphasising that Australia needed Khawaja facing the very first ball to set the tone.

Khawaja played golf on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday ahead of the first Ashes Test in Perthhttps://t.co/9g4npZmt2R

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) November 22, 2025

As criticism grew, new details emerged: Usman Khawaja had skipped an optional training session on Thursday to play golf. However, Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg quickly clarified that Khawaja’s back stiffness was not caused by golf but was a pre-existing condition he had managed successfully for years.

Greenberg defended the practice of players seeking mental downtime, noting that golf is a common activity among Australian cricketers as part of their preparation routines. He pointed out that cricket is as much a mental battle as a physical one, and clearing the mind before a big match can be valuable.

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Greenberg also noted that Mitchell Starc, who played golf with Usman Khawaja the same day, delivered a stunning performance with 7-58 against England. He argued that this was clear proof that golf had no negative impact on player performance. He emphasised that Khawaja, as a seasoned professional with deep experience, understands his body and preparation methods better than anyone else. According to Greenberg, suggesting that golf was to blame for the back issue was “drawing a long bow,” reinforcing Cricket Australia’s complete confidence in Khawaja’s judgment and routine.