The Ashes Test kicked off with a dramatic opening day, highlighted by Usman Khawaja’s battle with back spasms and a record number of wickets falling. Khawaja was forced off the field for a period of treatment during England’s first innings collapse. As a consequence of his time away, he was unable to take his usual opening position and instead batted at number four. Australian captain Pat Cummins shed light on the situation, explaining that Khawaja dealt with ‘niggly’ back spasms that necessitated some on-field attention. Cummins indicated that the quick succession of wickets prevented Khawaja from batting for a short while, but expressed confidence he could manage the issue. The day itself witnessed an astonishing 19 wickets tumble, the most on an opening day of an Ashes Test in 116 years. England’s slide from 160/5 to being dismissed for 172 was a key factor in this historical wicket tally, making it the highest since 1909.
