Usman Khawaja has finally arrived at the crease for Australia after serving his full 23-minute penalty for spending extended time off the field earlier in England’s innings.
According to ICC playing conditions, a player who is off the field for a prolonged period cannot bat until they serve the equivalent amount of time on the sidelines once their team begins batting. As a result, Khawaja — Australia’s regular opener — was not allowed to open the innings and had to wait for the penalty period to expire.
Australia began their chase with makeshift opener Marnus Labuschagne, who walked out alongside Steven Smith. But after Labuschagne was dismissed by Jofra Archer for 9, Khawaja’s time restriction expired exactly in the same moment, allowing him to walk in at No.4.
The left-hander was immediately welcomed to a charged-up atmosphere, with England tailing their tails up after quick breakthroughs. Australia were 28/2 when Khawaja finally made his way to the middle, greeted by loud applause from the Perth crowd.
His arrival now steadies Australia’s batting order, but the early wobble — and England’s fiery opening spell — has ensured the momentum remains finely balanced.
