Australia's Usman Khawaja did not walk out to open the innings (AP)

Cricket Australia defended Usman Khawaja on Saturday after he faced criticism for playing a round of golf on the eve of the first Ashes Test, where he failed to open the innings due to back stiffness.

The 38-year-old left the Perth Stadium field on Friday near the end of England’s innings, during which wickets were rapidly falling.

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Because he was absent for more than eight minutes, the rules did not allow him to bat until the same amount of time had elapsed.

As a result, Jake Weatherald had to open the innings with Marnus Labuschagne, but the debutant was dismissed for a two-ball duck.

With the innings not yet eight minutes old, Steve Smith was then forced

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