Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg has defended Usman Khawaja, saying it is a long shot to imply that his decision to play golf before the Test match contributed to the back spasms he experienced on the first day in Perth. The 38-year-old hitter drew criticism after back spasms forced him off the pitch late in England’s abbreviated first innings on Friday, November 21.
His absence came at an inopportune time, as England imploded as Khawaja was on the sidelines attempting to stretch out the spasm. Stand-in skipper Steven Smith even urged for Khawaja’s return. Although the left-handed opener returned for the end of the innings, ICC regulations required him to be off the pitch for a duration equal to the time he was away, making him ineligible to start the batting.
As a result, Marnus Labuschagne was promoted to the top spot, while Smith moved down to third place. Khawaja later batted at No. 4, but was removed for only two runs. On day two, he fielded for all 15 overs Australia bowled before lunch and looked unconcerned. Cricket Australia verified that it was a new injury, not one he had sustained previously in the week.
Usman Khawaja had played golf on Tuesday and Wednesday during Australia’s training sessions.
He also skipped Thursday’s optional training session, which was attended by only four players of the final lineup, to play golf with Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland. Following the training session, some Australian coaching staff members played later in the afternoon. Greenberg, an ardent golfer, denied any idea that Khawaja’s golf activity contributed to the problem, stating unequivocally that there was no link between the two.
“[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. 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,” Greenberg was quoted as saying by.
“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,” he added.
Golf is an integral part of Australia’s team culture, much like it is for their opponents England. Both sides regularly play in the lead-up to Test matches, whether at home or overseas. Earlier this year, the entire Australian squad even embarked on a bonding trip to northern Scotland, where they spent a week playing golf before the World Test Championship final, which they ultimately lost to South Africa.
Cricket Australia’s medical and strength and conditioning staff have long approved golf as a suitable activity for players, particularly fast bowlers, viewing it as a low-impact way to stay on their feet while also offering valuable mental relief from the demands of cricket training and competition.
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