Star Australia player ruled out of second D/N Test of Ashes 2025/26 in Brisbane
The star player of the Australia Test cricket team has been ruled out of the second day-night Test of the 2025/26 Test at the Gabba in Brisbane. This means the hosts will need to make changes in their playing eleven.
There were several speculations on whether Usman Khawaja would open the batting in the second day-night Ashes 2025/26 Test at the Gabba in Brisbane. This comes after Travis Head’s special century in the fourth innings of the first game at the Optus Stadium in Perth. Khwaja’s future is in doubt now as he was ruled out of the second game.
The southpaw has failed to recover from the back spasms that he suffered in Perth and was not able to open in both innings of the Western Test. He batted for 30 minutes in the net session, but won’t be able to pick his place in the side. However, Usman Khawaja will remain with the rest of the squad to continue his rehabilitation.
See Also: England pick Mumbai Indians star in playing XI for second D/N Test of Ashes 2025/26 in Brisbane
His absence means the home management can easily slot Head in the opening position after his 123 in just 83 balls. Josh Inglis and Beau Webster are the spare batting options. The former celebrated a fine century against the England Lions last week, while Webster was unfortunate to miss out on the eleven in Perth.
Usman Khawaja ruled out of second D/N Test of Ashes 2025/26 in Brisbane
Khawaja’s form has dipped in the last few months heading into the home Ashes as he is averaging 31.84 since the end of the last Ashes in England, with just one century in 45 innings. Travis Head also publicly revealed his wish to open the batting, which has sparked a debate about whether it would be the best time to draw a line under Khawaja’s career.
It will be tough for the Queensland batter to return to the eleven. He suffered from back spasms on the opening day of the last Test. England collapsed on the first afternoon and was unable to open due to the time he spent off the field. Coming in at number four, he could make only two runs before gloving a short ball from Brydon Carse.
Khawaja has overall smashed 6055 runs in 153 innings at an average of 43.56 and a strike rate of 48.55 with the help of 27 half-centuries and 16 centuries at the best score of 232 runs.
Tags:
