A former Australia coach has suggested Usman Khawaja could retire after the first Ashes Test.
England were dealt a bruising defeat in the first Ashes Test courtesy of Travis Head’s blistering century from just 69 balls.
Head’s 123 haul saw Australia make their 205 target in just 28.2 overs, to claim a lightning-quick eight-wicket victory.
Despite Australia’s exceptional start to the series, Khawaja has attracted criticism after his absence from the field at the end of Australia's bowling innings.
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His time off the field, which was due to back stiffness, meant that debutant Jake Weatherald was partnered by Marnus Labuschagne at the top of Australia's innings, with Khawaja eventually batting at number four. He went on to be dismissed for just two runs.
Indeed, speaking on Australia’s ABC Radio, Ex-Australia batter Darren Lehmann said Khawaja “might say it's time to retire” before the second Test match.
Lehmann added: "We needed him out there facing the first ball.”
Meanwhile, Tom Moody told ABC he was "stunned" by Khawaja’s absence.
"Absolutely poor management," Moody said. "At the end of the day, to gamble on the fact that he could come back on the field when England is eight down (is a big risk).
"That is beyond a joke. He is our most experienced top-order player. We needed Khawaja at the front to lead the batting unit into this series."
It later emerged that Khawaja skipped optional training last Thursday to play golf. However, Cricket Australia chief Todd Greenberg insisted the back stiffness was a pre-existing problem.
"It's held him in good stead over the last couple of years," Greenberg told SEN radio of playing golf. It's not uncommon for a lot of them to play golf the day prior.
"A lot of people talk about cricket being played between the ears, and so getting some time away from being in your hotel or training I think is really important.
"I noticed Mitch Starc played golf with him, so it certainly didn't impact his performance.
"Did that correlate to any of the issues? I personally don't think so.
"I think Usman's a very seasoned campaigner. He knows his body well and he knows how to get himself prepared for cricket, and he's done it over a long period of time. So I think that's drawing a long bow."
Chris Byfield