Ashes 2025-26: Usman Khawaja ruled out of Brisbane Test, Travis Head set to open

Top-order batter Usman Khawaja has been ruled out of the second Ashes Test in Brisbane. Khawaja was dismissed for a single-digit score in the only innings he batted in the series-opening clash in Perth, which Australia won by eight wickets inside two days..

A back injury to the left-handed batter means he will not play a part in the pink-ball match in Brisbane. However, no replacement has been announced. Khawaja will travel along with the team as he continues his rehabilitation to be fit and available for the remainder of the series.

For the unversed, Khawaja batted at No. 4 in Australia’s first innings in Perth as Marnus Labuschagne opened with debutant Jake Weatherald. As far as the second innings is concerned, Khawaja did not come out to bat. Travis Head, who went onto score a whirlwind 123 off 83, replaced Khawaja at the top of the order in the run-chase.

Speaking of the ongoing series, Australia secured a dominant victory in Perth to take a crucial 1-0 lead. Mitchell Starc starred in both the innings, ending up with a 10-wicket match haul to bag the Player of the Match award. Notably, the Three Lions had secured a 40-run lead in the first innings. However, that did not deter the hosts from restricting the English in their second innings before acing the chase.

The second Test in Brisbane is set to be a pink-ball encounter. It seems highly likely that Head will get the nod to open despite not having opened frequently in his red-ball career up. The Gabba Test is scheduled to commence on Thursday, December 4. Australia will be keen to extend their lead and ensure that their winning record in home Tests since the 2010-11 season stays intact.