Usman Khawaja clears fitness test ahead of 2nd Ashes Test
What's the story
Australia's Usman Khawaja has cleared his fitness test, confirming his readiness for the second Ashes Test at the Gabba. The confirmation came after a rigorous session with team physio Nick Jones on Monday afternoon. Khawaja underwent a series of shuttle runs, sidesteps and squats over 25 minutes, following back spasms that wrecked his Perth Test.
Training details
Khawaja's training session and batting practice
During the training session, Khawaja was seen giving Jones a thumbs up as he completed the drills. He then proceeded to his first batting practice since Perth, where he took throwdowns from assistant coach Michael Di Venuto. This was part of his preparation for the upcoming match at the Gabba, which gets underway on December 4. Notably, its a Day-Night affair.
Information
Recent struggles in home Tests
Khawaja, who is one of the most experienced players in the current Ashes squad, has struggled big time in home Tests in the last couple of years. Since the start of 2024 as per ESPNcricinfo, Khawaja has managed just 372 runs across 17 innings in Tests Down Under at an average of 24.80. He has just two 50-plus scores in this period.
Training highlights
Cummins impresses in training
Along with Khawaja, Australia's captain Pat Cummins also impressed during the training session. He bowled with great rhythm as he continued his recovery from a back problem. One delivery in particular, which had high pace and late away movement, turned Marnus Labuschagne inside out. This showed Cummins's return to form ahead of the crucial second Ashes Test at Gabba.