Australia’s bold decision to field an unfit Usman Khawaja has sparked a heated debate, with former national cricketer Darren Lehmann openly suggesting that the senior opener should now consider retirement. Khawaja, who has been dealing with persistent back stiffness, did not take the field during the latter half of England’s first innings in Perth. Although his absence did not immediately affect Australia’s batting in the second innings, Lehmann believes the time has come for the 38-year-old to “pack it up.”
Lehmann, alongside former Australian coach Tom Moody, discussed the issue on ABC Radio’s cricket podcast. During the conversation, Lehmann expressed strong disapproval of the team’s decision-making, insisting that Australia needed Khawaja at the top of the order from the very first ball. In his view, an opener missing at a crucial moment reflects poorly on both preparation and player management.
Moody, meanwhile, stopped short of calling for retirement but criticized the team’s “poor management” of the situation. He questioned why Australia waited until the eighth wicket fell, hoping Khawaja might return to bat. According to him, relying on an injured player at such a critical stage of the match was “beyond a joke,” especially when that player is the side’s most experienced top-order batter. For Moody, Australia needed leadership from Khawaja at the front—something they were not assured of due to his fitness.
Australia currently leads the five-match Ashes 1–0, courtesy of Mitchell Starc’s 10-wicket haul and Travis Head’s blistering 123 in the chase. Khawaja, who did appear in the first innings but scored only two runs while batting at No. 4, was once again needed in his regular role as an opener in the second innings. Questions intensified after it emerged that he had skipped optional training on Thursday and instead played a round of golf despite the ongoing back concerns.
Cricket Australia Chief Executive Todd Greenberg stepped in to defend Khawaja, arguing that rest and routine changes are essential for a long season. Greenberg emphasized that back stiffness is not a new issue for the veteran and does not necessarily compromise his preparation. Pointing to Starc—who joined Khawaja on the golf course and performed exceptionally regardless—Greenberg suggested that personal downtime often benefits high-level athletes mentally and physically.
Greenberg further dismissed the idea that Khawaja’s recreational choices contributed to the situation. He reiterated that the seasoned opener understands his body better than anyone else and knows how to prepare for international cricket. Calling the retirement chatter an overreach, he added that Khawaja has managed his fitness successfully for years and remains a valuable, experienced campaigner in Australia’s Test setup.