Usman Khawaja Opens Up About Back Spasms Ahead of Second Ashes Test
Khawaja's Injury Concerns Before Brisbane Test
Brisbane [Australia], November 28: Australian opener Usman Khawaja has addressed his recent back spasms that hindered his performance during the first Ashes Test in Perth, where he was unable to bat in either innings. His only appearance with the bat resulted in a disappointing single-digit score.
As the second Test approaches on December 4, concerns regarding the 38-year-old's fitness and form are mounting. In Perth, Khawaja was unable to take his place as an opener and struggled at number four, also missing an easy catch in slips before exiting the field during England's second innings.
In his first comments since the incident, Khawaja revealed he was on strong medication for his back issues prior to the match. His physio had cautioned him that even the slightest movement could exacerbate his condition, leaving him torn between the decision to open the batting or not.
Khawaja stated, "I knew the only way I could open for the team again, I had to go on the field," as reported by FOX Cricket.
He continued, "I was on strong anti-inflammatories and painkillers... I managed to get to a point where I could field again. However, the physio warned me that any sudden movement could worsen my condition significantly."
The left-handed batsman, who will turn 39 in December, aggravated his back while attempting to catch a ball that sailed over the slip cordon, prompting him to leave the field.
Recalling the moment, he said, "As I landed, I thought, 'Oh no, I am gone here.' I had to call (Australian wicketkeeper Alex) Carey over, saying, 'I cannot stand up.' I walked off the field feeling pretty devastated."
Khawaja had initially planned to receive an epidural injection to alleviate his back pain for the second innings, but a remarkable 69-ball century by Travis Head meant he could forgo the hospital visit.
He expressed relief that the match concluded that night, stating, "I had the radiology appointment booked for the next day to get an epidural, so I could move somewhat. I was ready to step in if the team needed me again."
Recently, Australian head coach Andrew McDonald confirmed that the medical team would assess Khawaja's injury, noting that he has never experienced back spasms in his 14-year career.
McDonald mentioned, "There were discussions about further investigations to determine if it was more serious than initially thought. We will gather more information before the squad assembles in six days, and hopefully, Usman will be fit for selection."
He added that he believes Khawaja's condition should improve, stating, "But we will wait for the information to come through."
McDonald dismissed the notion that Khawaja's back spasms were a sign of aging, noting that the batsman had played 18 rounds of golf in the days leading up to the match without any prior issues. Both McDonald and Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg agreed that this incident should not be linked to Khawaja's age.
Khawaja has been named in the squad for the second Ashes Test in Brisbane, but his place in the playing XI remains uncertain due to ongoing concerns about his fitness and form. In eight Tests this year, he has accumulated 463 runs in 14 innings, averaging 35.61, with a top score of 232*, which is his only score above fifty.
In the Sheffield Shield for Queensland leading up to the Ashes, he recorded scores of 69, 46, 0, and 87 across three matches. At The Gabba in Brisbane, he has scored 448 runs in 14 innings at an average of 37.33, including one century and two fifties, with a highest score of 174*. This venue is his home ground while representing Queensland.
Australia's squad for the second Test includes: 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, and Beau Webster.