Usman Khawaja out of Gabba Test, Test future hangs in the balance

3 months ago 4

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Australian opener Usman Khawaja has been ruled out of the second Ashes Test with a back injury.

Two days out from the pink-ball Test at the Gabba, starting Thursday, Australian officials confirmed the 38-year-old would not take his place at the top of the order.

Usman Khawaja will not play the pink ball Test at the Gabba.

Khawaja was unable to open the batting during the first Test against England due to back spasms.

Despite undergoing a fitness session on Monday evening in Brisbane, Khawaja will miss his home Test.

“Usman Khawaja has been ruled out [of the second] Ashes Test match against England in Brisbane with a back injury,” read a Cricket Australia statement on Tuesday afternoon.

“Khawaja will remain with the team to continue his rehabilitation. He has not been replaced in the squad.”

Khawaja’s absence paves the way for Travis Head to potentially open the batting once again, following his blistering fourth innings century at Optus Stadium.

Josh Inglis is also being touted as a left-field option to open the batting with Jake Weatherald. Alternatively, he or all-rounder Beau Webster could slide into the middle order if Head opens again. Australia is likely to announce its XI on Wednesday.

News of Khawaja’s absence from the second Test leaves a big question over his Test future, having struggled in recent years on home soil. Khawaja made two runs in the opening Test and is averaging 35.6 this year despite making 232 against Sri Lanka. He has made one score above 90 in his past 45 Test innings.

Meanwhile, England have settled on their XI, with spinning all-rounder Will Jacks set to play ahead of the injured Mark Wood.

Despite not playing a Test since December 2022, Jacks, an off-spinner from Surrey, will face Australia in an otherwise unchanged England side. It will be just his third appearance at Test level.

More to come