Usman Khawaja’s participation in the second Ashes Test at the Gabba remains uncertain, with the Australian opener still battling back spasms just three days before the match.
The 38-year-old has yet to regain full fitness after being forced out of Australia’s fourth innings in the series opener at Perth.
Under the close supervision of team medicos, Khawaja completed light running on the Gabba outfield before facing throwdowns in a half-hour pink-ball net session from assistant coach Michael Di Venuto, according to Cricket Australia.
While he executed several crisp pull shots, Khawaja grimaced intermittently and showed some discomfort during his more expansive strokes. Nevertheless, he moved freely between deliveries and demonstrated quick reflexes to evade a sharp bouncer—an encouraging sign that his lower back is functioning well.
He continued batting for roughly 10 minutes even after team doctor Leigh Golding indicated his session was done, highlighting his determination to play in front of a home crowd.
Australia is expected to delay any decision on Khawaja’s availability, monitoring his recovery from Monday’s workout. He will be required to train strongly during the team’s main sessions on Tuesday and potentially Wednesday before selectors make a final call.
Captain Steve Smith, coach Andrew McDonald, and selector George Bailey closely observed Khawaja’s drills, which included several 40-metre run-throughs at increasing intensity and agility movements.
If Khawaja is ruled out, Beau Webster and Josh Inglis are the leading replacement options in the 14-man squad. Webster, left out for the first Test, could return if Australia reshuffles their order, while Inglis has recently opened and scored a century against the England Lions in Perth.
Khawaja’s experience remains highly valued. He is Australia’s leading Test run-scorer since returning to the side in 2022 and is the only batter in this squad to have played all three previous pink-ball Tests at the Gabba.
Teammate Marnus Labuschagne praised Khawaja’s consistency but did not comment on selection matters.
“Usman’s a high-quality player. You look at his record, what he’s done for Australian cricket, especially since he’s come back, he’s been super consistent, he’s been really the rock at the top there,” Labuschagne told reporters before Australia trained.
“There’s been a lot of talk about how many opening partners he’s had over his time. But I’m not a selector, and whatever happens is all up to people above my pay grade and what they think is the best way for us to win the game and win this series,” he added.
“It’s just game by game, and you work out what’s your best team and how it best works for the game.”
Khawaja, who turns 39 this month, has not signalled when he plans to end his career, though an SCG farewell during the final Test has been suggested externally. Labuschagne said such decisions would ultimately depend on team priorities.
“There are different times where different people may have done that in the past,” said Australia’s No.3.
“He’s been an amazing player – 85 tests, averaging 45 (43.56) for Australia all around the world. But, once again, it’s not up to me.”
“I don’t think he needs advice. He’s 38; he’s been around the block a long time. He’s got (43) first-class hundreds. The way he’s gone from a number three, four and then opened the batting, and the way he’s done that, he’s navigated some tricky scenarios, he’s just been awesome,” he added.
Meanwhile, Pat Cummins continued his promising recovery from his own lower-back injury, bowling two lively spells in the nets after batting across the previous two days.
The Australian captain is not part of the squad for the Brisbane Test and is expected to return no earlier than the third Test in Adelaide.
