Usman Khawaja has been ruled out of the second Ashes Test with his back injury.

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 meant he could not open the batting.

Australia had been set for a selection dilemma given Travis Head’s heroic century when replacing the out-of-form Khawaja at the top in Perth. England abandon all-out pace attack with recall of Will Jacks for second Ashes Test in Brisbane Read more

Khawaja completed light training duties during the team’s optional session at the Gabba on Monday.

But on Tuesday afternoon, Cricket Australia confirmed he had pulled up sore from his injury and would miss the Test that begins on Thursday.

It means Head is likely to again partner

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