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BRISBANE: Usman Khawaja has been officially ruled out of the second Ashes Test against England at The Gabba after his back injury failed to settle, Cricket Australia (CA) confirmed on Tuesday.
The 38-year-old was battling discomfort throughout the series opener in Perth and has now been sidelined with a confirmed back injury.
Despite being unavailable for selection, Khawaja will remain with the squad to continue his rehabilitation, with selectors opting not to call in a replacement at this stage.
Khawaja attempted a light fitness test on Monday, completing short running drills on the Gabba outfield before spending around half an hour in the nets against the pink ball.
However, he appeared uncomfortable at various stages and faced only assistant coach Michael Di Venuto’s throw-downs, despite timing several pull shots cleanly.
The veteran left-hander endured a torrid first Test, where back spasms kept him off the field for extended periods.
England’s rapid collapse on the opening day meant Usman Khawaja was unable to take his usual opening position, and when early wickets tumbled, he walked in at No.4 but managed just two runs.
On the second day, he returned to the slips, taking one sharp catch before spilling a low chance, during which his back again seized up while attempting another effort.
The episode opened the door for Travis Head, who went on to smash a match-winning century in the chase.
Khawaja’s struggles come at a time when his form was already under the scanner.
Since the end of the 2023 Ashes, he has averaged 31.84 with just one century across 45 innings, placing additional pressure on his position at the top of the order.
