Here’s a headline that’s got everyone talking: Did a round of golf cost Australia a crucial moment in the Test match? Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg has stepped into the fray, dismissing claims that Usman Khawaja’s recent back spasms were linked to his three days of golfing leading up to the Perth Test. But here’s where it gets controversial—while some argue that Khawaja’s decision to hit the greens was ill-advised, Greenberg insists it’s ‘drawing a long bow’ to connect the dots between his hobby and the injury. And this is the part most people miss: golf isn’t just a pastime for Khawaja; it’s part of a broader team culture that’s been sanctioned by Cricket Australia’s medical and conditioning staff as a low-impact, mental reprieve from the rigors of cricket.
The drama unfolded on Friday when Khawaja, 38, was forced off the field due to back spasms during England’s first innings. His absence was particularly unfortunate, as England began to collapse shortly after, leaving stand-in captain Steven Smith urging Khawaja to return. While he did come back for the end of the innings, ICC rules deemed him ineligible to open the batting since he hadn’t spent an equal amount of time on the field. This reshuffled Australia’s lineup, with Marnus Labuschagne opening and Smith batting at No. 3. Khawaja, batting at No. 4, was dismissed for just 2 runs—a moment that left fans and critics alike questioning his pre-match activities.
Greenberg, an avid golfer himself, was quick to defend Khawaja. ‘[Golf] has held him in good stead over the last couple of years,’ he told SEN. ‘It’s not uncommon for players to play golf a day prior. Did that correlate to any of the issues? I personally don’t think so.’ He emphasized that Khawaja, a seasoned player, knows his body well and prepares meticulously for matches. ‘So I think that is drawing a long bow,’ Greenberg added. ‘Getting some time away from the hotel or training is really important. I noticed Mitch Starc played golf with him, and it certainly didn’t impact his performance.’
Golf, it turns out, is deeply ingrained in Australia’s team culture—just as it is for their rivals, England. Players often tee off in the lead-up to Test matches, both at home and abroad. In fact, the entire squad enjoyed a week-long golf trip to northern Scotland before the WTC final, which they ultimately lost to South Africa. Cricket Australia’s medical team has long approved of this practice, particularly for fast bowlers, as it provides a low-impact way to stay active while offering a mental break from the grind of training and playing.
But here’s the question that’s sparking debate: Is it fair to blame Khawaja’s injury on his love for golf, or are we overlooking the bigger picture of player preparation and team culture? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—do you think Khawaja’s golfing habit was a risk too far, or is this criticism simply off the mark?
