[Getty Images]BBCThu, November 27, 2025 at 5:03 PM UTC·1 min readFormer Australia bowler Jason Gillespie says it is "hard to see" how Usman Khawaja opens the batting in the second Ashes Test in Brisbane.
The left-hander, 38, suffered back spasms in the first Test in Perth meaning he could not open in the first innings after spending time off the field.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHe came in at four and made two before edging Brydon Carse behind and did not bat in the second innings after Australia opted to promote Travis Head to open.
Head hit a swashbuckling century to set up an eight-wicket win and give Australia a 1-0 lead.
Going into the series, Khawaja was expected to be the settled figure at the top of the order with questions over who would partner him.
"I find it hard to see how Usman Khawaja comes back into the side at the top of the order," said Gillespie on BBC World Service's Stumped podcast.
"The Australian selectors will think long and hard about Travis Head opening again.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement"If Head doesn't open, I'd actually be thinking about Josh Inglis. Or Josh Inglis bat at five and Travis Head opens. It would be one of two ways I look to go personally.
"The fitness of Usman Khawaja will be debated and discussed a lot but for me I think either Travis Head or Josh Inglis is probably the man to open for Australia."
