Usman Khawaja ruled out of second Ashes Test due to back injury | Cricket
Home Australia opening batsman Usman Khawaja was on Tuesday ruled out of the second Ashes Test against England with the back injury he suffered during the Perth opener. The veteran had back spasms and failed to open in the first Test victory. He was replaced for the second innings by Travis Head, who blasted a match-winning century. It leaves Khawaja's international future in doubt. He turns 39 later this month and has been under pressure after a lean run of form with the bat. "Khawaja will remain with the team to continue his rehabilitation. He has not been replaced in the squad," said Cricket Australia ahead of Thursday's day-night encounter at Brisbane's Gabba. Khawaja batted for 30 minutes in the practice nets on Tuesday evening, but the left-hander appeared to be in discomfort. Head will be favourite to be deployed as makeshift opener in Khawaja's absence.
Published: December 2, 2025 2:38 pm
Source: Hindustan Times — Read original