Usman Khawaja Out of Brisbane Test Due to Back Injury, Travis Head to Open for Australia

Usman Khawaja Ruled Out of Brisbane Test with Back Injury

Australian batsman Usman Khawaja will miss the second Ashes Test at the Gabba due to a persistent back injury. Cricket Australia confirmed on Tuesday that Khawaja pulled up sore following training and will continue his rehabilitation while remaining with the team.

The 38-year-old had already missed opening duties in the first Test after suffering back spasms. Khawaja’s fitness had been closely monitored since he was forced off the field early in the series opener, raising concerns over his availability.

With Khawaja sidelined, Travis Head is expected to open the batting, repeating his role from the first Test in Perth. Head impressed with a century when called upon to open previously, and selectors appear set to back him at the top of the order again.

Khawaja’s absence creates a middle-order vacancy, and all-rounder Beau Webster looks poised to fill the spot. Webster’s impressive debut year boasts a batting average of 34.63 and eight wickets across seven Tests, making him a strong candidate.

Another possible replacement considered is Josh Inglis, although his recent batting form has been inconsistent, averaging just 5.66 in his past two matches despite an earlier Test century in Sri Lanka. Head’s promotion to opener reduces the likelihood of selecting a like-for-like replacement.

Khawaja, who has struggled for form with only one century since June, now faces a race against time to recover for the third Test scheduled in Adelaide starting December 17, the day before his 39th birthday. His place in the squad beyond Brisbane depends not only on fitness but also on improved performances.

In team news from England, all-rounder Will Jacks will return to the Test squad to replace the injured Mark Wood. Jacks will make his first appearance in three years and third overall, moving ahead of spinner Shoaib Bashir in the selection hierarchy.

This reshuffling reflects the ongoing challenges teams face managing player fitness and form in this fiercely contested Ashes series. Australian selectors are balancing experience and recent performances as they prepare for the crucial Gabba Test starting Thursday.