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“No correlation…”: CA chief defends Usman Khawaja’s golf amid back spasm in Ashes

Aakash Saini

Todd Greenberg and Usman Khawaja [Source: @cric_businessHQ/x, AFP]Todd Greenberg and Usman Khawaja [Source: @cric_businessHQ/x, AFP]

Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg has defended vintage Australian opening batter Usman Khawaja after the latter coped some criticism for playing gold prior to the series-opening first Test of the 2025-26 Ashes against England in Perth. Khawaja ended up suffering back spasms in the match, prompting many Australian fans to question his golf session over team training.

Greenberg added that even Mitchell Starc played golf with Khawaja, and his outdoor decision made little difference as the legendary fast bowler delivered a ‘Player of the Match’ performance in Perth.

Greenberg defends Khawaja as CA stresses his back spasm was a new injury

Australia’s ageing opener Usman Khawaja suffered back spasm on the opening day of the first Ashes Test at the Optus Stadium in Perth on Friday, November 21. The injury prompted Khawaja to miss a major part of England’s 33-over first innings, which subsequently forced him to bat at number four for Australia as opposed to his usual opening slot, thus adhering to the ICC rules.

Nonetheless, the injury prompted many Australian fans to question Usman Khawaja for playing golf in the lead-up to the Test, and skipping Australia’s optional training session on Thursday.

While speaking with SEN, CA CEO Todd Greenberg has defended Usman Khawaja by claiming that golf has served Usman Khawaja well in the past few years. He said:

“Golf has held him in good stead over the last couple of years. It's not uncommon for a lot of them to play golf a day prior. Did that correlate to any of the issues? I personally don't think so.”

Cricket Australia also stressed that Usman Khawaja’s back pain was a new injury that he had not suffered before Day 1 of the Ashes opener.

Todd Greenberg praised Khawaja for his experience, and added that even ‘Player of the Match’ Mitchell Starc played golf with the senior opener. He added:

“Usman's a very seasoned campaigner, he knows his body well, and he knows how to get himself prepared for cricket. So, I think that is drawing a long bow. A lot of people talk about cricket being played between the ears. So, getting some time away from being in your hotel or at training I think is really important. I noticed Mitch Starc played golf with him, so it certainly didn't impact his performance.”

With second Test still two weeks away, Usman Khawaja will likely attain full fitness before the action continues in Brisbane from December 4 onwards.