Day one of the Ashes Test in Perth delivered one of the most unusual moments in recent Test history. Usman Khawaja, Australia’s trusted opener with 153 Test innings under his belt, unexpectedly walked in at No. 4. His last appearance at that position was in 2016, making today’s reshuffle all the more baffling to spectators and pundits alike.
The explanation, however, lay not in strategy but in a strict ICC regulation.
During England’s first innings, Khawaja left the field after the 29th over for a toilet break and a brief massage. He returned during the 32nd over—meaning he remained off the field for a total of 19 minutes. According to ICC Test Playing Conditions, a player may not stay off the field for more than eight minutes without incurring penalty time.
Clause 24.2.3 states that for any excess time spent off the field, a player must serve an equivalent duration before they are permitted to bat. Exceptions apply only if five wickets fall before the penalty time is completed.
Khawaja exceeded the limit by 11 minutes. As a result, when Jake Weatherald was dismissed in the very first over by Jofra Archer, Khawaja was still ineligible to bat. His penalty time expired only after Australia had lost further wickets, forcing him to bat at No. 4. Once at the crease, he managed only two runs before being dismissed, adding further pressure to an already unsettled innings.
The incident drew strong criticism from former Australian cricketers.
Tom Moody described it as “poor management”, adding that assuming Khawaja would return before the innings ended was “a reckless gamble”, especially considering his role as Australia’s most experienced top-order batsman.
Darren Lehmann echoed the sentiment, saying, “That period of play was crucial. We needed Khawaja out there from the very first ball. The timing of his break was unfortunate and costly.”
England were dismissed for 172 in their first innings, and Australia finished the day on 123 for 9. Without Khawaja at the top to provide early stability, Australia’s innings faltered quickly.
In the end, what appeared to be an ordinary break—just a few minutes longer than allowed—significantly altered Australia’s batting order and arguably shifted the momentum of the first Test.