Usman Khawaja ruled out of Ashes 2025-26 Gabba Test due to injury; no replacement named

Australia opener Usman Khawaja has been ruled out of the second Ashes 2025-26 Test against England after failing to recover from back spasms. The left-handed batter suffered the injury during the Perth Test, and his absence forces the hosts to rethink their opening combination for the upcoming day-night match.

Khawaja did not open in the first and second innings of the first Test in Perth due to injury concerns. Travis Head was promoted to the top of the order, and the move paid off for the home team. The left-handed batter blasted a match-winning century, helping them begin the five-match series on a winning note.

Usman Khawaja Ruled Out of Second Ashes Test Due to Back Injury

Cricket Australia confirmed on Tuesday that Usman Khawaja has been ruled out of the second Ashes Test in Brisbane due to a back injury. However, he will remain with the squad to continue his rehabilitation, and no replacement has been added for him.

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“Usman Khawaja has been ruled out [of the second] Ashes Test match against England in Brisbane with a back injury,” read a Cricket Australia statement on Tuesday afternoon.

“Khawaja will remain with the team to continue his rehabilitation. He has not been replaced in the squad.”

Josh Inglis and Beau Webster in Contention to Replace Usman Khawaja

Australia will head into the second Ashes Test with another reshuffled opening pair, as Usman Khawaja’s injury has again forced the hosts to rethink their top order.

With no replacement added to the squad, Travis Head is expected to move up and open once more, while Josh Inglis and all-rounder Beau Webster are in consideration to fill the vacant spot in the XI. Webster can also provide extra bowling depth for the home team.

England, meanwhile, have finalized their lineup. With Mark Wood ruled out, they have turned to off-spinning all-rounder Will Jacks, who will play his first Test in nearly two years and just the third of his career.

The rest of the visiting side remains unchanged. England will be hoping to secure a victory in the upcoming day-night Test to level the series.

I Don't Think He Needs Advice - Marnus Labuschagne

Marnus Labuschagne dismissed any concern about offering guidance to Usman Khawaja. Speaking to reporters, Labuschagne said Khawaja has adapted brilliantly throughout his career. He highlighted that Khawaja has handled difficult situations well.

“I don’t think he needs advice. He’s 38, he’s been around the block a long time ... he is an amazing player,” he said to reporters on Monday.

“He’s gone from No.3 to No.4 to opening (in his career), the way he’s done that, navigated some tricky scenarios, the way he batted at Edgbaston, he’s just been awesome.

“I don’t have any advice for him on it because from first class this year he’s batted beautifully, the way he’s been batting is awesome.”

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