Usman Khawaja keeps opening spot for Brisbane Test vs England; Travis Head forced out of top order

Travis Head’s strong showing as an opener in the first Ashes Test has sparked increasing support for him to continue in that role for the next match in the Ashes 2025-26. Many fans and experts believe Australia should persist with the new combination, but Usman Khawaja was spotted training at the Gabba.

There is uncertainty over who will walk out to open the batting in the second Ashes Test, as Khawaja continues to recover from the back injury he picked up during the first match. He didn't open for Australia in both innings of the match in Perth. Head was promoted to the top of the order in the second innings.

Travis Head Joined the Elite List of Australia Batters Following a Century in Perth

In a chase of 205, Travis Head tore into England’s attack and smashed 123 runs off just 83 balls. Marnus Labuschagne scored 51 runs as Australia chased down the target at 205/2 in only 28.2 overs, taking a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.

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Head played one of the most explosive fourth-innings knocks in Test history. He reached fifty in just 36 balls and then completed his hundred in 69 deliveries. The left-handed batter finished with 16 fours and four sixes as Australia sealed the victory inside two days.

He became the second-fastest century-maker in Ashes history, behind only Adam Gilchrist’s iconic 57-ball ton in 2006. It was also the fastest fourth-innings century ever recorded in Test cricket. Head also equalled the record for the quickest century by an opener in Tests, held by David Warner.

Usman Khawaja Spotted Running and Doing Mobility Drills Ahead of 2nd Test

Travis Head’s explosive century has led to growing support for him to continue as Australia’s opener. Usman Khawaja’s spot is under scrutiny, as the veteran has struggled for runs over the past year and a half. Khawaja was spotted running and doing mobility drills on Monday as part of his recovery.

The opener appeared to move comfortably during the session. After completing a series of fitness tests, he even signaled positively to team physio Nick Jones. He later headed into the nets for throwdowns with assistant coach Michael Di Venuto.

Meanwhile, the Gabba pitch looked quite green as the media got its first look ahead of the second Ashes Test. According to Code Sports, Khawaja remains a slight favourite to retain his opening spot if he is cleared fit in time.

I’m a Player I Feel Like Can Play Any Role - Travis Head

Travis Head stated that there haven’t been many discussions about changing roles, but he is comfortable adapting whenever required. Head supported captain Pat Cummins’ view that batting orders are often overrated.

“We haven’t really had many conversations over the last week ... if that’s what’s needed to win a Test match, I’m fine with it,” Head told reporters in Brisbane.

“I agree with Pat (Cummins) that they’re (batting orders) slightly overrated. The traditionalists would say: ‘This is how it has got to be,’ but that is where the game is going to ... You could use this order and these players in a range of different ways to win games of cricket.

“I’m a player I feel like can play any role. I am open to it and it’s just trying to work out in the game and in moments when that may come out.

“I feel all options are on the table and have been for a long period of time about where this team can potentially get better.”

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