Australia opener Usman Khawaja’s spot in the playing eleven is in question after Travis Head opened the innings and scored a blazing century in run chase at Perth Stadium. Ahead of the pink-ball Test, there is much debate whether Australia should stick with Head at top alongside Jake Weatherald or give the old guard Khawaja another go. Days ahead of the second Test of Ashes 2025-26 at The Gabba, Brisbane, Khawaja has received teammate Marnus Labuschagne’s backing. He pointed out how Khawaja has batted at different positions before getting the opening spot.
“I don’t think he needs advice," Labuschagne stated at Brisbane’s Gabba, where the second Test begins on Thursday. “He’s 38, he’s been around a long time, and he’s an amazing player. The way he’s transitioned from number three, four, and then to opener, navigating challenging scenarios, has been awesome. In first-class cricket this year, he’s batted beautifully."
Since David Warner retired, Khawaja has multiple opening partners. Weatherald did not get off to a good start either, bagging a duck in debut Test innings. However, he made up for it with a crucial 23 in the 75-run partnership alongside Head in the run chase.
Even if the Australian team management looks to make changes, Labuschagne has said that he won’t open again.
“I think we can be sure that Steve or I won’t open," he said.
Labuschagne also talked about the 117-run partnership for the second wicket with Head on Day of Perth Test to register a comprehensive win.
“I personally took a lot away from that," he remarked. “Building that partnership with Trav and playing free-flowing cricket was really exciting."
What happened when Khawaja last played a pink-ball Test?
On a tough track at Sabina Park, Kingston, Khawaja battled it out against Caribbean pacers. He registered scores of 23 and 14 in first and second innings respectively. In the first innings, he faced 92 deliveries. In both innings, he was dismissed by Shamar Joseph.
Last year, he played in pink-ball Test against India at Adelaide Oval. He scored 13 runs from 35 balls in the first innings before getting dismissed by Jasprit Bumrah. In the run chase, he remained not out for nine runs.