Usman Khawaja Has Some Strong Words About Perth’s Day 1 Pitch

Usman Khawaja criticized the Perth pitch on Day 1, stating it was not as good as its claimed quality, despite receiving the ICC's highest rating.

Usman Khawaja Has Some Strong Words About Perth’s Day 1 Pitch

Usman Khawaja harshly criticized the Day 1 Perth surface, for its uneven bounce. (via India TV News)

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Australian opener Usman Khawaja made a blunt assessment about the surface at the Perth Stadium on the first day, of the 2025-26 Ashes opener. Khawaja even went to the extent of describing the Perth pitch as a ‘piece of s**t’, despite the ICC acknowledging it as one of the best. 

The 2025-26 Ashes opener seemed like the plot of a movie, with the match finishing as early as on Day 2. Opting to bat first, England could only manage 172 runs. Mitchell Starc breathed fire, picking up a seven-wicket haul to tear through the entire batting order. While it seemed easy for the Australians to take a comfortable lead, fans were left shocked after the home side was dismissed for just 132 runs. 

With the visitors ending with 164 runs in their second innings, Australia had to chase down a challenging total of 205 runs. Stunning everyone, the home side raced to the total by the end of the 2nd day, courtesy a record-breaking 83-ball 123 run inning by Travis Head. Usman Khawaja has remained in the spotlight since the win, given his inability to open in either innings in Perth, after having suffered a back spasm.

Khawaja only came out to bat at no.4 in Australia’s first innings, but was dismissed for just two runs by Brydon Carse. The 38-year-old was one of the 19 wickets that fell on the very first day, sparking a major debate over the nature of the surface in Perth. The pitch had initially been rated as ‘very good’ by match-referee Ranjan Madugalle, reflective of its limited seam movement, and consistent bounce. Khawaja said, at an event for his foundation:r

You can’t really predict up and down… So day one wicket at [Perth] is a piece of s***, I’m happy to say that. It has been last year, it was this year.

However, Khawaja contrastingly claimed that the pitch on the first day in Perth was a ‘piece of s**t’. He talked about the high number of wickets that fell on Day 1, as well as the challenges faced by the batters.

Khawaja also spoke about the unpredictability of the surface, highlighting how much even Steve Smith struggled to score runs due to the uneven bounce. He continued with his criticism by stating that a similar issue curtailed them, in the 2024-25 BGT opener, versus India. 

Nineteen wickets on the first day and about 20 people got hit, that’s a great wicket, that seems real fair. The same thing happened last year in the Indian Test, it’s just that Day 1 wicket, the ball just does not react.

Khawaja’s harsh criticism of the Perth surface has not been taken well by Cricket Australia. CA has reportedly slammed the 38-year-old for his remarks, and he might get an official notice from the cricket board, demanding an explanation for the outburst. 

Usman Khawaja prepared to play in second Ashes Test at the Gabba, despite injury worries 

One of Australia’s foremost performers over the past years, Usman Khawaja is all ready to take his place in the playing XI for the second Ashes Test against England, starting December 4. The left-handed opener struggled with back issues in the series opener, both in the first and second innings. 

Usman Khawaja second Ashes Test
Usman Khawaja is all ready to play for Australia in the second Ashes Test, despite injury concerns. (via News 18)

Khawaja has been named in the unchanged Australian squad for the second Test against England, to be played at the Gabba in Brisbane, with ace pacers Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins still out with injuries. However, the 38-year-old may find it difficult to make it into the playing XI, given Travis Head’s spectacular match-winning hundred as a replacement opener in the final innings.

In a recent interaction, Usman Khawaja shared that he is fully fit for the second Ashes Test, while noting that it is was the first time that he had back spasms. Recounting the events of the first Test, the left-hander exclaimed that he was disappointed after realizing that he would not be able to open. Khawaja revealed that he even booked a radiology test, in case had bat during the second innings’ chase.

I feel good…I’d never experienced it before, but the last few days have been good. I’ve never had back spasms before, so it’s been quite new for me.

It remains to be seen whether the veteran batter is included in the playing XI for the second Test, with rumors emerging that Head might be promoted to open with Jack Weatherald. Should Khawaja be dropped, all-rounder Beau Webster could make his way into the team.

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