Usman Khawaja is still not fully fit after suffering back spasms in the Ashes opener, leaving his participation in the Gabba pink-ball Test uncertain. (Image Credit: X/ @cricketcomau)
Australia's opening batsman, Usman Khawaja, is being closely monitored as he races against time to be fit for the second Ashes Test at the Gabba. Khawaja sustained back spasms during the opening Ashes Test in Perth and retired hurt late in England's first innings before missing Australia's second innings, resulting in a gap in the top order. With just three days to go for the Gabba Test, Khawaja is being carefully monitored by the Australian medical and coaching staff to see if he will be able to take the field.
During the Ashes opener, Khawaja faced sudden back spasms that ruled him out of completing his innings. The issue also kept him off the field in the Australian second innings, raising questions about his further selection. Khawaja has since passed fitness testing during training sessions and in the nets, where he has done controlled batting drills and light running to check on his readiness.
On Monday, Khawaja was closely watched by team medics during an adjoining net session. His practice included 30 minutes of batting against throw-downs from assistant coach Michael Di Venuto. He also did running drills on the Gabba outfield, including 40-metre sprints and lateral movements, yet he sometimes looked a little uncomfortable, so caution is warranted before he's cleared for competitive play.
Medical staff have been in constant consultation with the coach, Andrew McDonald and selector George Bailey to assess Khawaja's condition. The plan is to continue monitoring him through full training sessions on Tuesday and possibly Wednesday before deciding on his availability for the second Test.
Khawaja has been Australia's top Test run scorer over the past four years and is the only batter in the squad to have played in all three of the Gabba's previous pink-ball Tests. His experience and record make him a key figure in the lineup.
Should he fail to clear a fitness test, the Aussies have two quality reinforcements in their 14-man squad in the form of Beau Webster and Josh Inglis. Either could be utilised at the opener or at any point in the batting order, depending on the team's needs.
The Australian camp is mixing caution with competitiveness. Their skipper, Pat Cummins, who also missed the first Test in Perth due to a back injury, has resumed training and is bowling quick spells along with batting in the nets. He is expected to return in the third Test in Adelaide, which means that the Gabba Test still does not have a full-strength lineup.
Australia's approach has shown that player management and workload are crucial features of this high-stakes Ashes series, featuring the novelty of a pink-ball Test at the Gabba. Decisions over Khawaja's fitness will have a large bearing on Australia's approach to the second Test and beyond in the series.
