Brisbane, December 2, 2025: Australia opener Usman Khawaja has been ruled out of the second Ashes Test at the Gabba after failing to recover from back spasms suffered during the opening match in Perth, putting his international future under scrutiny.
Khawaja batted in a 30-minute net session on Tuesday, his first since the injury, but was unable to pass a fitness test to be available for selection. It will mark the first Test he has missed since his return to the side in early 2022.
“Khawaja will remain with the team to continue his rehabilitation,” Cricket Australia said in a statement. “He has not been replaced in the squad.”
The third Test in Adelaide, starting December 17, gives Khawaja two weeks to recover, but questions remain over whether he can regain his place, particularly as his form has been under scrutiny. Since the end of the 2023 Ashes, he averages 31.84 in 45 innings with only one century, while teammate Travis Head has publicly expressed interest in a permanent opening role.
Khawaja’s absence opens the door for Head, who impressed in the second innings at Perth, scoring 123 off 83 balls after being promoted to open. Head has indicated his willingness to take on the role more permanently, though debate continues about his effectiveness in the middle order. Coach Andrew McDonald has also floated the possibility of flexible batting orders.
Scott Boland said losing Khawaja “upsets the balance” but expressed confidence in the team’s depth. “Trav did that last week, and even without Pat [Cummins] and Josh [Hazlewood], some bowlers have come in and done a good job,” Boland said. “We’ve obviously got huge depth in our squad and we can replace anyone if we need to.”
Other batting options in the squad include Josh Inglis and Beau Webster. Inglis scored a century against the England Lions last week and made a hundred on Test debut against Sri Lanka earlier this year. Webster narrowly missed selection in Perth despite four half-centuries in his first seven Tests.
Khawaja first suffered back spasms on the opening day at Perth Stadium. England’s rapid collapse prevented him from opening, and he came in at No. 4, making just 2 before gloving a short ball from Brydon Carse.
On day two, while fielding at first slip, he took a catch to dismiss Harry Brook but then strained his back leaping for another edge from Jamie Smith, paving the way for Head’s standout century.
With Head thriving at the top and other replacements available, Khawaja may face an uphill battle to reclaim his spot in the Australian Test side.
