Here’s why Usman Khawaja isn’t opening for Australia on Day 1 of Ashes 2025-26 Test Against England

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As England‘s innings came to an end, Australia’s opening batter were expected to take the crease during Day 1 of Ashes 2025-26 Test at Perth. However, Usman Khawaja, who was scheduled to open, was notably absent when Australia began their response. Marnus Labuschagne was instead sent to the top of the order, replacing Khawaja.

Khawaja’s absence from the field during the closing stages of England’s innings has forced a last-minute reshuffle in Australia’s batting order. Khawaja, who was off the field for nearly half an hour, was unable to return in time to meet the requirement of spending a minimum of 23 minutes on the field before taking his position as an opener. This delay stemmed from a stomach issue that kept Khawaja from fully recovering in time for his usual role at the top.

With the team needing to act swiftly as England’s wickets tumbled, it was clear that Khawaja would not be able to return in time. As a result, Marnus Labuschagne was tasked with filling in at the top of the order alongside debutant Jake Weatherald. While the move is a temporary adjustment, it has shaken up the carefully planned batting lineup. Khawaja will have to wait for his turn to bat once the mandatory time on the field is met, leaving Labuschagne to take the crucial first innings stance for now.

If you're wondering why Usman Khawaja wasn't opening, he was off the ground for too long, so got bumped back down the order. And a rule stating he must wait ten minutes before being allowed to walk out meant he couldn't go out to bat at three when Weatherald was dismissed second…

— ABC SPORT (@abcsport) November 21, 2025

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Australia found themselves in the middle of a difficult chase after England were bowled out for 172 in just 32.5 overs. Despite the early loss of Weatherald, who was dismissed for a duck by Jofra Archer, Australia’s reply began cautiously. With Marnus Labuschagne (4 off 23) and captain Steven Smith (3 off 22) at the crease, the hosts were looking to rebuild slowly and take their time on a pitch that had proven tricky for both sides.

England’s collapse saw Australia trailing by 164 runs as the team came to the crease to start their innings. The conditions, which had caused England’s downfall, continued to offer assistance to the bowlers, with Archer and Atkinson both extracting movement from the pitch. Archer struck early, trapping Weatherald lbw for a duck, sending the Australian openers back to the drawing board. Despite the early pressure, Labuschagne and Smith showed signs of resilience. Both players, though not scoring at a brisk pace, held their wickets in place and aimed for a steadier start to what could be a long innings. The lack of runs meant that Australia had a slow start, with only 8 runs on the board after 8 overs, but the longer they stayed at the crease, the more comfortable they would become in what promises to be a grinding Test match.

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