Ashes: Usman Khawaja Out of Gabba Test, England Include Will Jacks for Mark Wood

Brisbane, December 2 (Daily Kiran) – Australia’s opening batsman Usman Khawaja has been ruled out of the second Ashes Test starting December 4 at the Gabba in Brisbane. Meanwhile, England have included all-rounder Will Jacks in their playing eleven for the Gabba Test, replacing injured Mark Wood.

Usman Khawaja has been sidelined from the second Test due to a back injury sustained two weeks ago. According to reports, Cricket Australia has decided not to name a replacement player for Khawaja in the squad.

Usman Khawaja spent about half an hour in the nets at the Gabba on Tuesday, during which he appeared uncomfortable. His back injury has not healed properly and he did not look completely fit to play in the second Test. Following this, the management decided to exclude him from the second Test.

For the Gabba Test, England have also included Will Jacks in the team in place of injured fast bowler Mark Wood.

The England Cricket Board announced their lineup for the pink-ball Test, stating, “England have made one change to their playing eleven from the first Ashes Test in Perth, with spinning all-rounder Will Jacks included in place of injured Mark Wood.”

Jacks makes his return to the Test team after three years. His inclusion strengthens both the team’s batting and bowling departments.

Australia’s squad for Gabba Test:

Steve Smith (captain), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster

England’s playing eleven for Gabba Test:

Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (captain), Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper), Will Jacks, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer