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Khawaja's Gabba Gamble: Can Australia's Star Opener Beat the Clock?

Usman Khawaja is in a race against time to be fit for the second Ashes Test at the Gabba. He was closely monitored during a net session after experiencing back spasms in the first Test. The medical team will assess his recovery after further training sessions before making a final decision. His potential absence would be a major blow, as he's been Australia's leading run-scorer and has unique experience with the pink ball at the Gabba.

Key Points: Usman Khawaja Fitness Race for Gabba Ashes Test in Doubt

  • Khawaja appeared uncomfortable during a 30-minute net session after light running drills
  • Medical staff met with coach and selector following his fitness test
  • Australia's top Test scorer since his return aims to play his home Ashes match
  • Reserve batters Beau Webster and Josh Inglis are on standby if he is unfit
2 min read

Khawaja remains short of full fitness ahead of Gabba Test: Report

Usman Khawaja battles back spasms with three days until the Gabba Test. Australia monitors his fitness closely as reserve batters wait.

"He only faced throw-downs from assistant coach Michael Di Venuto, practising pull shots on simple practice wickets. - cricket.com.au report"

New Delhi, Dec 1

Australia opener Usman Khawaja remains short of full fitness with only three days remaining before the second Ashes Test at the Gabba but is pushing to play his home Ashes match.

The opener was tested for the first time since injuring his back last week. He was closely monitored in an adjoining net by medics during a fitness test on Monday afternoon, according to a cricket.com.au report.

Khawaja experienced back spasms during the Ashes opener and had to leave the field late in England’s first innings. He was also unable to bat in Australia's second innings of the Perth Test.

After light running drills on the Gabba outfield, Khawaja sometimes appeared uncomfortable during a 30-minute net session with the pink ball. He only faced throw-downs from assistant coach Michael Di Venuto, practising pull shots on simple practice wickets.

The medical staff met with coach Andrew McDonald and selector George Bailey following Khawaja’s running drills, which included 40-metre sprints and side-to-side movements.

Australia will observe how Khawaja feels after his comeback batting session. They aim for him to train thoroughly in the main session on Tuesday, and possibly Wednesday, before deciding if he will participate in the Gabba Test.

Khawaja has been Australia's top Test run scorer since returning to the team four years ago, and is the only batter in the squad to have played in all three of the Gabba's previous pink-ball Tests.

Beau Webster and Josh Inglis are the reserve batting options in Australia's 14-man squad who will compete for a place if Khawaja is not passed fit or is dropped.

Meanwhile, skipper Pat Cummins bowled two quick spells in the nets and also batted on both Sunday evening and the following afternoon.

Cummins, who missed the opening Test of the series in Perth with a back injury, is not in the squad for the second Test, but his return for the third Test in Adelaide seems more likely.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Back spasms are no joke. He should not risk it. The Gabba Test is important, but his long-term career is more so. Australia has depth, they should manage his workload properly.
R
Rohit P
Interesting to see how they handle this. In India, we've seen players like Bumrah rushed back from injury and it backfired. Hope the Aussie medical team makes the right call. Player health first, always.
S
Sarah B
His experience at the Gabba is crucial, especially with a pink ball. But if he's only facing throw-downs and looking uncomfortable... that's a big red flag. Better to rest him.
V
Vikram M
Respectfully, the article feels a bit speculative. "Sometimes appeared uncomfortable" – that's very subjective reporting. We need clearer updates on his actual fitness parameters.
K
Karthik V
As a cricket lover, I want to see the best players on the field. Khawaja vs. Anderson/Broad under lights would be a great contest. Fingers crossed he's fit! 🤞

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