Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg has rejected suggestions that Usman Khawaja’s pre-Ashes round of golf at Perth’s exclusive Lake Karrinyup contributed to the back spasms that upended Australia’s batting order on day one.
Khawaja, Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, coach Andrew McDonald and selection chair George Bailey were among the members of the home team and support staff who took to the links on Thursday afternoon ahead of the Ashes opener. It was his third round of the week after also playing on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Back spasms: Usman Khawaja could not open the innings on Friday because he had spent too much time off the field.Credit: Getty Images
After taking a catch in the first over of the match, Khawaja complained of lower back stiffness during the morning session and spent considerable time off the field getting treatment.
That led to his inability to open alongside Jake Weatherald, before Australia’s batting fell apart to hand back the advantage won by the bowlers earlier in the day.
Greenberg, who has frequently played golf with Khawaja, said regular time on the course had been a big part of why the 38-year-old and other members of the team had performed well in recent years.
“It’s held him in good stead over the last couple of years,” Greenberg said on SEN radio on Saturday.
“It’s not uncommon for a lot of them to play golf the day prior. A lot of them will talk about cricket being played between the ears, and so getting some time away from your hotel or training is really important.”