Brisbane: Australia have been hit with a significant blow ahead of the second Ashes Test at the Gabba, with veteran opener Usman Khawaja ruled out after failing to recover from the back spasms he picked up during the opening Test in Perth.
Khawaja returned to the nets on Tuesday for a brief 30-minute session — his first batting stint since sustaining the injury — but medical staff have deemed him unfit for selection.
Cricket Australia confirmed the development, stating:
“Khawaja will remain with the team to continue his rehabilitation. He has not been replaced in the squad.”
Head Set to Retain Opening Role
Khawaja’s absence opens the door for Travis Head to continue as Australia’s makeshift opener. Head impressed during the second innings in Perth, smashing a scintillating 123 off just 83 deliveries, effectively sealing his position at the top of the order for the Gabba Test.
Meanwhile, Josh Inglis and Beau Webster remain the reserve batting options. Inglis recently hammered a century against England Lions, while Webster narrowly missed selection for the first Test.
Recovery Timeline and Selection Concerns
The third Test begins on 17 December in Adelaide, giving Khawaja approximately two weeks to recover. However, doubts linger over his ability to return to full fitness—and whether he will reclaim his spot even if he does.
Khawaja’s form has come under scrutiny, averaging 31.84 since the end of the 2023 Ashes with just one century in 45 innings. With Head publicly expressing interest in opening and producing strong performances, speculation has grown that this setback could signal the beginning of the end of Khawaja’s Test career.
How His Injury Unfolded
The 38-year-old first experienced back spasms on Day 1 in Perth. England’s rapid collapse reduced his chance to open, forcing him to come in at No. 4, where he managed only two runs, gloving a short ball from Brydon Carse.
Later, while fielding at first slip, he took one catch—dismissing Harry Brook—but dropped another from Jamie Smith. His condition worsened after a misjudged attempt at a low chance, paving the way for Head’s explosive innings.
With the Gabba Test approaching, Australia now face an early selection dilemma in the Ashes series, and Khawaja’s future in the national setup hangs in the balance.
