As England‘s innings got here to an finish, Australia’s opening batter had been anticipated to take the crease throughout Day 1 of Ashes 2025-26 Test at Perth. Nonetheless, Usman Khawaja, who was scheduled to open, was notably absent when Australia started their response. Marnus Labuschagne was as an alternative despatched to the highest of the order, changing Khawaja.
The explanation Usman Khawaja not opening for Australia on Day 1 of Ashes 2025-26 take a look at towards England
Khawaja’s absence from the sphere throughout the closing phases of England’s innings has pressured a last-minute reshuffle in Australia’s batting order. Khawaja, who was off the sphere for practically half an hour, was unable to return in time to satisfy the requirement of spending a minimal of 23 minutes on the sphere earlier than taking his place as an opener. This delay stemmed from a abdomen challenge that stored Khawaja from totally recovering in time for his traditional function on the prime.
With the staff needing to behave swiftly as England’s wickets tumbled, it was clear that Khawaja wouldn’t be capable to return in time. In consequence, Marnus Labuschagne was tasked with filling in on the prime of the order alongside debutant Jake Weatherald. Whereas the transfer is a brief adjustment, it has shaken up the fastidiously deliberate batting lineup. Khawaja should look ahead to his flip to bat as soon as the obligatory time on the sphere is met, leaving Labuschagne to take the essential first innings stance for now.
If you happen to’re questioning why Usman Khawaja wasn’t opening, he was off the bottom for too lengthy, so acquired bumped again down the order. And a rule stating he should wait ten minutes earlier than being allowed to stroll out meant he could not exit to bat at three when Weatherald was dismissed second… pic.twitter.com/D2rmJGFZXR
— ABC SPORT (@abcsport) November 21, 2025
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Ashes 2025-26: Australia’s regular response after England’s collapse on Day 1 of Perth Check
Australia discovered themselves in the midst of a tough chase after England had been bowled out for 172 in simply 32.5 overs. Regardless of the early lack of Weatherald, who was dismissed for a duck by Jofra Archer, Australia’s reply started cautiously. With Marnus Labuschagne (4 off 23) and captain Steven Smith (3 off 22) on the crease, the hosts had been seeking to rebuild slowly and take their time on a pitch that had confirmed tough for each side.
England’s collapse noticed Australia trailing by 164 runs because the staff got here to the crease to start out their innings. The circumstances, which had prompted England’s downfall, continued to supply help to the bowlers, with Archer and Atkinson each extracting motion from the pitch. Archer struck early, trapping Weatherald lbw for a duck, sending the Australian openers again to the drafting board. Regardless of the early stress, Labuschagne and Smith confirmed indicators of resilience. Each gamers, although not scoring at a brisk tempo, held their wickets in place and aimed for a steadier begin to what could possibly be a protracted innings. The shortage of runs meant that Australia had a gradual begin, with solely 8 runs on the board after 8 overs, however the longer they stayed on the crease, the extra snug they’d change into in what guarantees to be a grinding Check match.
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