Fri Nov 21 04:40:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing and rewriting the provided text:
Aussie Batting Order Shuffled After Khawaja’s Absence Sparks Confusion in Ashes Test
Perth, Australia – November 21, 2025 – A bizarre situation unfolded on the opening day of the Ashes Test in Perth, as Australia’s batting order was thrown into disarray following an unexplained absence from Usman Khawaja.
Marnus Labuschagne was unexpectedly promoted to open the innings alongside debutant Jake Weatherald, after Khawaja was deemed ineligible to bat early due to spending an extended period off the field.
Weatherald’s debut was short-lived, falling lbw to Jofra Archer for a duck on the second ball. With Khawaja still unable to take the field, stand-in captain Steve Smith filled the number 3 spot.
The reason for Khawaja’s absence remains unclear, though the Australian camp insists he is not injured. He eventually came to the crease at number 4 after Labuschagne’s dismissal.
The match also etched its name into the history books, becoming the first Ashes Test where both Australia and England lost their first wicket without a run on the board in their opening innings, after Weatherald also bagged a duck. Weatherald has had a history of scoring poorly in Perth, also recording a duck against India in 2024.
First Piper 