Ashes Day 1: Khawaja’s Injury Scare, Record Wicket Haul

Usman Khawaja’s participation in the Ashes opener was briefly in doubt after he suffered back spasms, leading him off the field during England’s first innings. The incident occurred as England experienced a dramatic batting collapse, losing wickets rapidly after being in a solid position. Khawaja’s absence from the field meant he couldn’t open the batting for Australia, and he joined the innings later at number four. Australian captain Pat Cummins provided an update, describing the back spasms as a ‘niggly’ issue that required treatment. He noted that a rapid end to England’s innings narrowly prevented Khawaja from missing his batting opportunity altogether. Cummins is hopeful that Khawaja will recover sufficiently with medication. The opening day was a bowler’s paradise, with a staggering 19 wickets falling. This marks the highest number of wickets on day one of an Ashes Test in over a century, a testament to the thrilling and historic start to the series.