Ashes Chaos: Usman Khawaja’s Toilet Break Causes Top-Order Collapse as Starc and Stokes Shine
Summary:
Usman Khawaja’s extended toilet break led to a top-order collapse, with England losing three wickets in the 17 minutes he was off the field. Mitchell Starc and Ben Stokes excelled with the ball, taking 7-58 and 5-51 respectively. Jake Weatherald’s Test debut was short-lived, as he was dismissed for a duck off the second ball he faced. Chaos reigned as Australia’s top order was dismantled, but Travis Head and Cameron Green resisted and counter-attacked before being removed by Stokes.
What This Means for You:
- Player breaks, even those labeled as “back spasms,” can significantly impact a match’s outcome.
- Mitchell Starc and Ben Stokes proved their worth as formidable bowlers, taking a combined 12 wickets on day one of the Ashes Test.
- Jake Weatherald’s Test debut was far from ideal, but he can learn from the experience and come back stronger in future matches.
- Expect more competitive cricket as the Ashes series progresses, with both teams showcasing their resilience and skills.
Original Post:
Usman Khawaja’s toilet break causes top-order chaos as Ben Stokes and Mitchell Starc star with the ball.
Here are the quick hits from the first day of the opening Ashes Test in Perth.
1. Khawaja causes chaos
England lost three wickets in the 17 minutes Usman Khawaja was off the field for what Cricket Australia labelled back spasms.
Starc didn’t stop there, either, trapping Ben Duckett LBW (21) and having Joe Root (0) caught at third slip to take 3-17 in his first six overs, with every delivery of that spell over 140kmh.
Root was his 100th Ashes wicket. And Starc wasn’t done there, finishing with career-best 7-58.
2. Starc’s first-over stunner
Starc has taken 24 wickets in the first over of an innings in his Test match career, more than anyone else in history.
It did, admittedly, take a bit longer than four years ago when Starc bowled Rory Burns with a demon, late-swinging yorker at the Gabba, but England’s score was still a big, fat zero.
3. Brook walks, gives Doggett his first Test wicket
Harry Brook may well be asked that after he gloved a short delivery to Alex Carey off the bowling of debutant Brendan Doggett.
Doggett didn’t seem to be aware that Brook had gloved it though, with Steve Smith and Carey both vigorously appealing behind the stumps.
At that point, Brook realised that the gig was up so he walked off the pitch.
Extra Information:
Learn more about the Ashes series by visiting the official ICC Cricket website (England in Australia 2021-22) and the England Cricket Board (ECB England Cricket).
People Also Ask About:
- Q: What is the role of toilet breaks in cricket? A: Toilet breaks are typically taken to manage player comfort, but can impact gameplay if a player is off the field for an extended period.
- Q: How many wickets has Mitchell Starc taken in Ashes Tests against England? A: Mitchell Starc has taken a total of 7-58 against England in the ongoing Ashes Test.
- Q: Who is Jake Weatherald and what happened in his Test debut? A: Jake Weatherald is an Australian cricket player who made his Test debut against England in 2025. He scored a duck off the second ball he faced in the match.
- Q: How does the team dynamic change when a player is off the field due to injury or other reasons? A: Team dynamics can be affected when a player is off the field, particularly if the team loses key players for an extended period of time.
Expert Opinion:
“The Ashes series always brings a high level of excitement and competitiveness, and this series is no exception. The performances by Mitchell Starc and Ben Stokes have shown their class and skill, while the impact of Usman Khawaja’s unexpected break highlighted the need for adaptability and resilience in the face of unpredictable challenges.”
Key Terms:
- Ashes Test
- Usman Khawaja
- Toilet Break
- Mitchell Starc
- Ben Stokes
- Jake Weatherald
- Cricket
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