Usman Khawaja 's international future is in doubt after he was ruled out of the second Test at the Gabba after failing to recover from the back spasms that he suffered in the opening match in Perth.

Khawaja had batted for the first time since the injury on Tuesday during a 30-minute net sessio n but won't be able to take his place in the side. "Khawaja will remain with the team to continue his rehabilitation," a statement said. "He has not been replaced in the squad."

His absence opens the door for Travis Head to continue the opening role he took on in the second innings in Perth where he carved his way to 123 off 83 balls.

Josh Inglis and Beau Webster are the spare batting options in the squad. Inglis scored a century against England Lions last week while Webster was unlucky to mi

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