Australia were forced to send Marnus Labuschagne to open the innings after Usman Khawaja was barred from taking the field at the fall of the first wicket due to a time-based restriction under ICC playing conditions.
Khawaja had spent extended time off the field during England’s innings, which triggered the “time off the field = time before batting” penalty. As per ICC rules, any player who is absent from the field for a certain duration must wait the equivalent period before being allowed to bat.
Since Khawaja spent around 23 minutes off the field, he cannot bat until that entire penalty time is served during Australia’s innings. This is why he was unavailable to open, and instead Labuschagne walked out with debutant Jake Weatherald.
Australia lost Weatherald for a second-ball duck, but Khawaja will be eligible to bat once the 23-minute period is completed. This rule ensures fairness and prevents players from taking extended breaks and immediately returning to bat fresh.
Further updates to follow as Australia resume their chase.
