Major boost for Australia ahead of pink-ball Ashes Test against England

PERTH: Usman Khawaja took to the crease for the first time since the Perth Test as he aimed to prove his fitness for the day-night encounter at the Gabba, following the back spasms that curtailed his involvement in the opening Ashes match. After undergoing physiotherapy and light fielding, Khawaja was put through his paces by Australia’s medical staff on the outfield, completing running and stretching exercises before batting for 30 minutes during the team’s daytime session on Monday.

During his net session, Khawaja faced only assistant coach Michael Di Venuto, who bowled sidearm deliveries, many short-pitched, providing a solid workout for his back.  The session was optional, although all players were present, and the team is scheduled for another full session under lights on Tuesday.

Speaking last week at an event for his foundation, Khawaja expressed confidence in his recovery, stating he “should be right” for his hometown Test and no longer required painkillers after initially suffering the spasms on the opening day at Perth Stadium. England’s early collapse on the first afternoon meant Khawaja could not open the batting due to time spent off the field. When he eventually batted at No. 4, he managed just two runs before gloving a short ball from Brydon Carse. On the second day, Khawaja fielded at first slip, taking a catch to dismiss Harry Brook but then dropping a low edge from Jamie Smith.  His back spasmed while attempting another catch off Smith, allowing Travis Head to continue to 123 in Australia’s chase.

Khawaja’s form has been under scrutiny heading into the series. Since the end of the 2023 Ashes, he averages 31.84, with one century in 45 innings. Coupled with Head’s impressive performance as an opener and his public interest in the role, questions have arisen about whether the time has come to conclude Khawaja’s Test career.

Marnus Labuschagne emphasised Usman Khawaja’s immense value to Australian cricket, highlighting both his experience and consistent performances over a long career.  He pointed out that Khawaja has played 85 Test matches and has been a dependable figure since his comeback in 2021, consistently providing stability at the top of the order. “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.” Ahead of the 2023 Ashes, David Warner had announced his retirement timeline, aiming to finish at the SCG in early 2024, which he achieved. Monitoring Desk