Starc Says Khawaja’s Back Spasm Sparked Last-Minute Batting Order Shuffle in Ashes Test

Mitchell Starc has clarified the confusion that surrounded Australia’s disrupted batting order on day one of the first Ashes Test in Perth, revealing that Usman Khawaja’s sudden back spasm forced a last-minute reshuffle at the top.

The 38-year-old opener twice left the field during England’s innings, meaning he could not bat in his usual spot until the required time had passed under ICC playing conditions. Khawaja eventually emerged after the second wicket fell — shortly after Marnus Labuschagne chopped on for nine — but made only two before edging Brydon Carse behind, continuing Australia’s early struggles on a challenging surface.

His delayed arrival meant debutant Jake Weatherald was thrust into the firing line far earlier than planned. With Labuschagne pushed up to open, Weatherald faced the first ball of his Test career — and lasted only two deliveries before being trapped lbw by a late inswinger from Jofra Archer.

By stumps, Australia were in serious trouble at 123 for 9, still 49 runs behind England after a collapse that reflected the mounting pressure on the hosts.

Speaking after play, Starc revealed that the team had little warning about Khawaja’s condition.
“I didn’t know about it until the ninth wicket, when he still had maybe 10 minutes or so,” he said. “Because he’d spent time off the field — he had a back spasm the second time he came off — we got caught off guard with the wickets falling pretty quickly.”

Starc called the situation “unfortunate” and said the team hoped Khawaja would recover overnight. “We’ll see how he pulls up tomorrow,” he added, acknowledging that Australia may have to prepare for further uncertainty if the opener remains hampered.

Australia head into day two needing a strong response to regain control of a match that England have dominated from the opening session.