Sydney, December 2 (Udaipur Kiran) – Australia’s experienced opener Usman Khawaja has been ruled out of the second Ashes Test against England in Brisbane due to a back injury. The team confirmed this on Tuesday.

During the first Test in Perth, Khawaja could not bat in both innings due to back spasms. On Monday, he felt discomfort during net practice at the Gabba, following which the decision was made to exclude him from the match.

Fast bowler Scott Boland said in a pre-match press conference, “It’s tough because he has been working consistently on his fitness since the last match, but unfortunately he couldn’t get fully ready. He looked fine in the nets, but perhaps he felt he wasn’t ready to play.”

No new player will be added to replace the 38-year-old Khawaja. This strengthens the possibility of Travis Head, who played a brilliant 123-run innings in Perth, opening the batting again.

Boland said, “I’m not certain about the middle order, but hopefully Travis Head will open. Our team’s strength has been that whenever a player is out, another player steps up and takes responsibility.”

After David Warner’s retirement, Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith have opened in the past two years, but Labuschagne clarified on Monday that he won’t be doing so this time.

Khawaja will remain with the team, keeping alive his hopes of continuing his Test career even after turning 39 next month.

Australian team for the second Ashes Test:

Steve Smith (Captain), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Mitchell Starc, Jake Wedderald, Beau Webster.

Related