Ashes 2025-26: Usman Khawaja's golf post triggers debate amidst back injury

Australian opener Usman Khawaja has become a part of the heated Ashes debate after posting a golf-course photo on Instagram, just days after battling back spasms during the opening Test in Perth. While Australia sealed an eight-wicket victory thanks to Travis Head’s record century as a stand-in opener, it was Khawaja’s social media activity that grabbed significant attention.

The 38-year-old had a tough start to the Ashes series, affected by back spasms that flared up on the eve of the Test as he was unable to open in either innings and made minimal impact with the bat. He batted at No.4 in the first innings and did not appear at all during Australia’s chase of 205. The injury raised questions as it emerged that Khawaja had played 54 holes of golf, three consecutive days, leading up to the match, even skipping an optional training session for a pro-am linked round. The situation escalated when Khawaja uploaded a photo of a golf course. What a week! It had it all," he wrote.

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McDonald confirms that medical staff to conduct further investigation into Khawaja’s back spasms

Meanwhile, captain Pat Cummins responded with a golf-swing emoji, David Warner also reacted with “Foreeeeee,” and former seamer Trent Copeland added laughing emojis. However, former fast bowler Mitchell Johnson criticised the opener, calling the situation a 'self-inflicted back spasm fiasco. He revealed that a senior player battling for his place should not be spending three full days on the golf course before an Ashes Test. Johnson stated that if the preparation contributed to the back spasms, then it reflected poorly on Khawaja’s dedication to the national team.

Furthermore, pressure, selectors are now weighing their options for the Brisbane Test. Travis Head’s 123 as a temporary opener has reopened long-standing discussions about reshuffling the batting order. However, Australia coach Andrew McDonald confirmed that medical staff would conduct further investigation into Khawaja’s back spasms, noting that this was the first time the opener had suffered such an issue. McDonald dismissed age as a factor and insisted that golf had never previously caused Khawaja any physical trouble.