Australian opener Usman Khawaja has been sidelined for the second Ashes Test against England in Brisbane due to a back injury, announced the team on Tuesday.
Khawaja couldn’t open in either innings of the first Test in Perth due to back spasms and appeared uncomfortable during practice on Monday at Brisbane’s Gabba, where the second Test begins on Thursday.
The 38-year-old won’t be replaced in the squad, suggesting Travis Head might continue as the opener. Head’s impressive 123-run innings in Perth led Australia to a convincing eight-wicket win.
Since David Warner’s retirement, both Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith have occasionally opened, but Labuschagne confirmed on Monday that neither would take on the role this time.
Khawaja remains with the team, keeping his hopes alive to continue his Test career beyond his 39th birthday next month.
