Usman Khawaja delivered encouraging signs for Australia ahead of the Ashes 2025 Gabba Test, completing an intensive training session after recent back spasms. Khawaja worked through batting, movement drills, and stretching as he pushed to confirm his availability for the crucial day-night match.
The left-hander spent 30 minutes in the nets, facing assistant coach Michael Di Venuto’s sidearm throws. Many short deliveries tested his back strength and mobility. Before batting, he ran several outfield drills and went through a structured warm-up overseen by medical staff.
Khawaja had done only light activity on Sunday, but Monday marked a significant step. Although the session was listed as optional, every Australian player attended, and the squad will have a full training run under lights on Tuesday.
Last week, Khawaja said he “should be right” for the match and confirmed he no longer needed painkillers. The spasms first affected him during the opening day at Perth Stadium.
Impact of the Perth Test on His Workload
He could not open in Perth because of time spent off the field during England’s dramatic collapse. Khawaja batted at No. 4 and scored only 2 before gloving a short ball from Brydon Carse. The next day he fielded at slip, where he held one chance, dropped another, and suffered a fresh spasm while jumping for an edge from Jamie Smith. Travis Head then opened in his place and smashed 123 in a standout innings.
Form Concerns and Rising Selection Pressure
Khawaja’s recent numbers have drawn attention. He averages 31.84 since the end of the 2023 Ashes, with just one century in 45 innings. Head’s assertive approach and public willingness to open have also intensified debate about a possible shift in Australia’s top order.
Still, Marnus Labuschagne expressed strong support for his teammate. “I think Usman is a high quality player,” labuschagne said.
He continued: “He’s been super consistent; he’s been really the rock [in] the top there.”
Labuschagne praised Khawaja’s adaptability, saying: “The way he’s gone from a No. 3, 4 and then opened the batting… he’s just been awesome.”
However, he also noted selection responsibility lies elsewhere. “I’m not a selector… whatever happens is up to the people above my pay grade.”
Retirement Talk and the SCG Speculation
David Warner announced his retirement plan long before leaving Test cricket. Khawaja has never done that. Many believe the final Ashes Test at the SCG could be his natural farewell because of his twin hundreds there in 2020-21. Labuschagne insisted team success must come first.
“I think the most important thing is the team comes first at any stage,” he said.
He added: “It’s just what is the best way we win the game and what does that look like.”
England Respect Both Options
Brydon Carse avoided giving a preference for Australia’s opening combination. “I don’t have to make that decision… whatever we’re presented with we’ll stick to our plans,” he said.
He spoke highly of Head’s innings, adding: “That was a phenomenal knock… he had an incredible day that afternoon.”
Cummins Nears Return with Strong Nets Session
Pat Cummins continued his rehabilitation with another sharp training run. He bowled two controlled spells and hit in between. The fast bowler is not in Australia’s 14-man squad for the Gabba Test, but a return in Adelaide appears likely.
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