Did Khawaja's Golf Round Cause His Back Spasms?
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Synopsis
In a recent statement, Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg denied any connection between Usman Khawaja's golf outing and his back spasms during the first Ashes Test. Understand the implications for Khawaja and the Australian team as they navigate through the series.
Key Takeaways
- Todd Greenberg denies any link between Khawaja's golf and his injury.
- Khawaja's back spasms are a new injury, unrelated to prior activities.
- The team successfully adjusted batting order due to Khawaja's situation.
- Cricket players often engage in leisure activities like golf before matches.
- Performance evaluation will focus on the entire series.
Perth, Nov 22 (NationPress) The CEO of Cricket Australia (CA), Todd Greenberg, has refuted any connection between Usman Khawaja's choice to engage in a round of golf prior to the ongoing first Ashes Test and the back spasms he experienced during the first day of play.Khawaja, who is 38 years old, had to leave the field late during England's first innings on Friday. Although he returned before the innings concluded, ICC regulations dictated that he hadn't been on the field long enough to qualify to open the batting.
This led to Marnus Labuschagne being elevated to open alongside debutant Jake Weatherald, while captain Steve Smith was positioned at number three. Khawaja eventually batted at number four but only managed two runs. On the second day, he fielded without any issues.
CA has clarified that Khawaja's spasms are a new injury for the player, who will turn 39 next month, and are not linked to his golf sessions before the match. "Playing golf has been beneficial for him over the past couple of years. It's not unusual for many players to play golf a day before a match," Greenberg stated.
"Did that have anything to do with the issues? Personally, I don't believe so. Usman is an experienced player, well aware of his own body and how to prepare for cricket. I think that's a stretch. Many say cricket is a mental game."
"Spending some time away from the hotel or training is vital. I saw Mitch Starc played golf with him, so it clearly didn't affect his performance," Greenberg added during his interview on SEN Radio on Saturday.
Furthermore, he emphasized that Khawaja, along with the entire Australian squad, will ultimately be evaluated based on their performances throughout the five-match series, highlighting that the players are allowed to prepare in ways they believe suit them best.
“That’s how Andrew McDonald and the team have operated for quite a while, and they have found great success with it. Individual performance within a team context is crucial, and ultimately, players must be accountable for their performance. This approach is mature and reflects our current philosophy,” he concluded.
Point of View
I believe it is crucial to approach the situation with balance. Khawaja's injury raises questions, but attributing it to a golf session seems unfounded. The focus should remain on the player's performance and the team's adaptation throughout the series.
NationPress
22/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Usman Khawaja's golf game affect his performance?
Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg stated there is no correlation between Khawaja's golf session and his back spasms during the Ashes Test.
What injury did Khawaja sustain?
Khawaja experienced back spasms, which Cricket Australia confirmed are a new injury unrelated to his golf activities.
How did the team adjust after Khawaja's injury?
Marnus Labuschagne opened the batting alongside Jake Weatherald, with Steve Smith batting at number three to adjust for Khawaja's condition.
What is the significance of Khawaja's injury for the series?
Khawaja's performance will be crucial as the Australian team is judged on their performance throughout the five-match series.
Is golf common among cricketers before matches?
Yes, according to Greenberg, playing golf is a common practice among many players as a means to relax before matches.
