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Last updated on - December 2, 2025, 6:28 PM IST
By
Sruti Thakur
Usman Khawaja missed the chance to open in the first Test against England because of back spasms. He managed to score just two runs from six balls in the first innings and did not get a chance to bat in the second.
Although Khawaja finished a fitness session on Monday evening in Brisbane, he has been ruled out of his home Test. "Khawaja will remain with the team to continue his rehabilitation. No replacement has been named in the squad." said Cricket Australia
Travis Head is likely to open for Australia in the second Ashes Test in Brisbane in Usman Khawaja's absence
The decision not to name a replacement indicates that selectors still expect Khawaja to play later in the series.
Khawaja's absence paves the way for Head to open once more following his impressive match-winning century at Optus Stadium.
If Travis Head comes to open the innings, all-rounder Beau Webster might come back into the middle order, while Josh Inglis is another possibility, having been seen fielding in Australia's slip cordon during training.
Australia is expected to announce its playing XI on Wednesday, but star pacer Scott Boland almost confirmed that Head will open, "I'm not sure about the middle order, but I'd probably expect Trav to open given the make-up of our squad," Boland told reporters.
"I've got no idea really what they're going to do … to bat someone at five or Greeny might go up one? Or pick someone else at six? We’ll find out probably tomorrow."
England have confirmed their playing XI, with spin-bowling all-rounder Will Jacks coming in as a replacement for the injured Mark Wood. Although he hasn't played a Test since December 2022, the Surrey off-spinner will feature in just the third match of his career, with the rest of the England lineup remaining unchanged.
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