In the first Ashes Test at Perth Stadium, Australian opener Usman Khawaja did not open the batting due to a bizarre incident involving his off-field breaks. Cricket Australia explained that Khawaja was off the field for toilet breaks and stretching during England's innings, which led to him spending too long off the field. According to rules, players must stay off the pitch for 10 minutes after such breaks, preventing Khawaja from coming in at No. 3 when Jake Weatherald was dismissed LBW on debut after just two balls by Jofra Archer. As a result, Marnus Labuschagne, normally a No. 3, joined Weatherald to open the innings. England was bowled out for a mere 172, with Mitchell Starc taking 7 wickets for 58 runs, including a five-wicket haul. Starc's exceptional performance helped restrict England early, with key dismissals including Joe Root and Ben Duckett. The incident has generated controversy, with some questioning the rules and the impact on Australia's batting order. Meanwhile, Australia’s captain Steve Smith, along with other teammates, had to adapt to the unusual start, which exposed the team to England's opening bowlers early in the innings.