Usman Khawaja enjoys decent hit out ahead of Brisbane Test as he proves his fitness ahead of Thursday’s game.
Usman Khawaja batted for the first time since the Perth Test in an attempt to demonstrate his fitness for the day-night match at the Gabba following back spasms that limited his participation in the Ashes’ first game.
Khawaja was put through his paces by Australia’s medical staff on the outfield, including stretching and running, after doing some rehab and moderate fielding on Sunday. On Monday, he batted for thirty minutes during the team’s day session.
Khawaja solely faced assistant coach Michael Di Venuto with the sidearm during his half hour in the nets, of which a substantial amount of deliveries were short, providing his back a solid workout. All of Australia’s players attended the optional session, and on Tuesday they will have another full session under lights.
Speaking last week at a ceremony for his charity, Khawaja said he “should be right” for his hometown Test and was not requiring further medicines after initially suffering the back spasms on the opening day at Perth Stadium.
Due to his time off the pitch, Khawaja was unable to open when England crumbled so swiftly on the first afternoon. When he came out at No. 4, he could only make two before gloving a short ball from Brydon Carse.
Khawaja replaced him at first slip on the second day, removing Harry Brook with a catch before spilling a low edge that Jamie Smith had delivered. As he leaped for another edge from Smith, his back spasmed, allowing Travis Head to score his 123 in Australia’s pursuit.
“I think Usman is a high quality player,” Marnus Labuschagne said. “You look at his record, 85 Tests and what he’s done for Australian cricket, especially since his comeback in 2021. He’s been super consistent; he’s been really the rock [in] the top there. I think there’s been a lot of talk about how many opening partners he’s had over his time.
“He’s an amazing player. The way he’s gone about his game, the way he’s gone from a No. 3, 4 and then opened the batting…navigated some tricky scenarios, he’s just been awesome.
“But I’m not a selector. I think whatever happens is up to the people above my pay grade and what they deem is the best way for us to win the game and win this series. I think it’s just game by game and you work out what’s your best team.”