Usman Khawaja Prepares for Pink-Ball Test with Ashes Workout

Here’s ⁢a breakdown of the key information⁣ from the provided text, focusing on Usman Khawaja‘s situation:

* Fitness Test: Khawaja is undergoing a fitness test to determine his ⁣availability for the day-night Test at the Gabba. He’s been dealing wiht back‍ spasms that affected his performance in the first Ashes Test in Perth.
* Training: He’s been doing physio, fielding, stretching, and batting practice (30 minutes against assistant coach Michael⁢ DiVenuto,‍ with a focus on short balls to stress his back).
* Back Spasm History: The spasms initially occurred during the first ⁤Ashes Test and recurred while ⁤fielding on the second⁢ day. He was unable to fully participate‍ in the first Test due to the initial injury.
* Recent Form: His form has been under scrutiny, averaging 31.84 ⁤as ⁢the end of the 2023 Ashes.
* Opening Position Debate: There’s discussion about whether Travis Head should continue as opener, potentially leading to the end of khawaja’s Test career.
* Support from Teammates: Marnus labuschagne strongly defends Khawaja, highlighting his experience (85 Tests), consistency as his comeback in 2021,‍ and adaptability in different batting positions. Labuschagne emphasizes he isn’t a selector and leaves⁤ the decision to those in charge.
* Khawaja’s Statement: Khawaja has stated he “should be right” ⁣for the Gabba Test and wasn’t relying on painkillers.