Usman Khawaja’s decision to leave the field to stretch a sore back in England’s wobbly first innings became the unlikely catalyst for a dismal Australian batting display on day one of the Ashes, as the home side’s top order faltered in shambolic fashion.

Former Australia international Tom Moody criticised the team’s “poor management” after Marnus Labuschagne, listed to bat at No.3, was forced to open after England were bowled out for 172.

Australia soon found themselves in major trouble, losing four wickets inside 18 overs before limping to stumps at 9-123 from 39 overs, in scenes that were even more chaotic than last year’s Border-Gavaskar series opener when 17 wickets fell on day one.

England took day one honours after Alex Carey top scored for the hosts with 26 and Ben Stokes picked

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