Usman Khawaja to feature in 2nd Ashes Test? Australia star provides crucial update

Veteran Australia batter Usman Khawaja is still doubtful to play the second Ashes Test that is set to be played in Brisbane from December 4. The 38-year-old sustained neck spasms for the first time in his playing career during the opening Test of the series in Perth. This led to him not opening the batting in both the innings of the match and he came out to bat at No.4 in the first innings.

Labuschagne on Khawaja's condition

Australia batter Marnus Labuschagne has now provided an update on Khawaja's condition, stating that even though the latter is a very important player for the team, the selectors will have the final call on if he will play or not. Khawaja, who will turn 39 next month, has been going through a rough patch in Tests as of recent and hasn't scoreed a century in the format since January earlier this year.

"Usman's a high-quality player. You look at his record … what he's done for Australian cricket, especially since he's come back, he's been super consistent, he's been really the rock of at the top there. There's been a lot of talk about how many opening partners he's had over his time," Labuschagne told reporters.

"But I'm not a selector and whatever happens is all up to people above my pay grade and what they think is the best way for us to win the game and win this series. There's different times where different people may have done that in the past. He's been an amazing player - 85 tests, averaging 45 (43.56) for Australia all around the world. But, once again, it's not up to me," he added.

Australia in the lead

Meanwhile, Australia had taken a 1-0 lead in the series by defeating England comprehensively by 8 wickets in the first Test at the Optus stadium. With Khawaja not opening, Travis Head was elevated in the batting and played a terrific knock of 123 to carry the Aussies to the target of 205 runs. The match came to a conclusion in just two days and now the action is set to move to The Gabba where the second Test will be played in day-night format.

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Australia's squad for 2nd Ashes Test: Steve Smith (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster.