"The 38-year-old's place in the XI had been under intense scrutiny since back spasms forced him from the field in the victorious first Test and prevented him from opening the batting. Khawaja completed light training duties during the team's optional session at the Gabba on Monday, stretching his back, undertaking shuttle runs and batting in the nets. But on Tuesday afternoon, Cricket Australia confirmed he had pulled up sore from his injury and would miss the Test that begins on Thursday."
"Head's move to opener would create a vacancy in the middle order and towering all-rounder Beau Webster appears the favourite to claim it. Webster has had an impressive first year as a Test cricketer, averaging 34.63 with the bat and taking eight wickets across his first seven Tests. He was the odd man out at the selection table for the first Test, with Cameron Green the only all-rounder chosen in the XI that won by eight wickets."
Usman Khawaja has been ruled out of the second Ashes Test due to a recurring back injury. He experienced back spasms during the first Test that forced him from the field and prevented him from opening the batting. Khawaja completed light training but pulled up sore and will remain with the squad to continue rehabilitation. Australia has not added a replacement, making Travis Head likely to partner Jake Weatherald at the top. Head’s move would open a middle-order spot that Beau Webster, averaging 34.63 and taking eight wickets in seven Tests, appears favoured to fill. Josh Inglis remains an alternative.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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