CA CEO Defends Usman Khawaja’s Golf Sessions After Back Spasm in Ashes Test

Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg defended Usman Khawaja against suggestions his golf sessions caused a back spasm during the first Ashes Test.

Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg has defended Usman Khawaja against criticism linking his pre-Test golf sessions to the back spasm that affected him during the first Ashes match in Perth. The 38-year-old opener left the field during England’s first innings, requiring treatment for what was confirmed as a new injury.

Khawaja’s absence forced Australia to reshuffle their batting order in The Ashes opener in Perth. Marnus Labuschagne opened instead, with Steven Smith moving to number three. Usman Khawaja eventually batted at four but scored only two runs.

CEO Defends Usman Khawaja’s Preparation

Greenberg dismissed any connection between Khawaja’s golf activities and his injury, emphasizing the veteran’s understanding of his own body.

“[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 ESPNcricinfo.

The CEO highlighted the mental benefits of players taking time away from cricket. “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.

Khawaja had played golf on Tuesday and Wednesday around training sessions and skipped Thursday’s optional training to play with teammates Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland. Golf forms part of Australia’s team culture and is medically approved by Cricket Australia’s staff as suitable low-impact activity.

The back spasm marked an unfortunate disruption for Khawaja, who returned to field on day two without visible discomfort.