Usman Khawaja will miss the second Test at the Gabba after failing to shake off the back spasms picked up in Perth. Australia named their squad on Tuesday night and, as expected, Khawaja’s name was absent.
“Khawaja will remain with the team to continue his rehabilitation,” a team statement confirmed. “He has not been replaced in the squad.”
In practical terms it means Travis Head is likely to stay at the top of the order. Head moved up in the second innings at Optus Stadium, rattling 123 from 83 balls – useful proof he can do the job if needed again.
Selectors still have cover. Josh Inglis, fresh from a hundred against England Lions, and Beau Webster, unlucky to miss out in Perth, are both on hand. Neither is a straight swap for Khawaja, but flexibility has been a buzz-word for this group all summer.
As for Khawaja, there is no formal timeline. The medical staff will treat and test day-by-day. Back spasms can clear quickly; they can also linger. Australia, already 1–0 up, have the luxury of waiting rather than rushing a 38-year-old whose long-term value is obvious.
