Australian cricket has been dealt a significant blow ahead of the second Ashes Test, with veteran opener Usman Khawaja officially ruled out due to persistent back spasms.
Injury Ends Khawaja's Gabba Hopes
The 39-year-old left-hander's immediate Test future is now under a cloud after the injury, which severely limited his involvement during the first Test in Perth. Khawaja was unable to open the batting in either innings at the WACA and spent much of the match receiving treatment on the sidelines.
A brief net session at Brisbane's Gabba on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, failed to provide any optimism. The half-hour hit-out reportedly saw Khawaja moving uncomfortably, leaving selectors with no choice but to omit him from the squad for the crucial second encounter.
Inglis and Webster Bolster Squad Options
In response to the setback, national selectors have turned to two fresh faces. West Australian wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis earns a recall, having recently been trialled as an opener against the England Lions. He is joined by all-rounder Beau Webster, adding depth to the batting and bowling stocks.
Khawaja's absence exacerbates an existing opening conundrum for Australia. Jake Weatherald made his debut in Perth, while middle-order stalwarts Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head were forced to fill the breach at the top of the order.
Batting Order Shuffle on the Cards
Head's spectacular second-innings century in Perth has presented one clear solution. The team could opt to keep him in an opening role, which would then trigger a reshuffle through the middle order.
This scenario could see Cameron Green move up the batting lineup, creating a vacancy for either Inglis or Webster to slot into the side. The final decision will hinge on whether the team management desires Inglis's wicketkeeping versatility or Webster's additional bowling option.
The updated Australian squad for the second Test is: Steve Smith (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster.
All eyes will now be on the Gabba to see how the Australian team reconfigures its lineup in the face of this untimely injury to a key senior player.
