Khawaja Battles Back Discomfort, Eyes Gabba Ashes Test Comeback

Usman Khawaja Pushes to Play Home Ashes Test Despite Back Discomfort

Brisbane: Australia opener Usman Khawaja remains short of full fitness three days ahead of the second Ashes Test at the Gabba, after undergoing his first batting session since suffering back spasms in the opening Test of the NRMA Insurance series against England.

Khawaja, 38, was closely monitored by team medics during a half-hour net session on Monday, where he faced throw-downs from assistant coach Michael Di Venuto. While he showed signs of discomfort on some shots, the veteran moved well between deliveries and demonstrated the dexterity expected of him, signaling progress in his recovery.

Team doctors, along with coach Andrew McDonald and selector George Bailey, will assess Khawaja’s condition over the coming days before confirming his availability. Should he be unable to play, reserves Beau Webster and Josh Inglis are ready to step in, with Inglis a potential opening option after his century against the England Lions in a recent tour match.

Khawaja remains a crucial figure for Australia, being their leading Test run-scorer since returning to the side four years ago and the only player in the squad to have featured in all three previous Gabba pink-ball Tests.

Meanwhile, captain Pat Cummins also continued his own comeback from a lower-back injury, bowling in the nets and preparing for the upcoming Test.

The second Ashes Test is scheduled from December 4-8 at the Gabba in Brisbane.

Australia squad (second Test): Steve Smith (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster

England squad: Ben Stokes (c), Harry Brook (vc), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wk), Josh Tongue, Mark Wood