The Ashes 2025: Usman Khawaja passes first his test as selectors ponder his Test cricket future

Usman Khawaja has ticked the first box as he seeks to force selectors into making one of their toughest calls in years ahead of an all-important training session under the Gabba lights.

Usman Khawaja has ticked the first box as he seeks to force selectors into making one of their toughest calls in years ahead of an all-important Tuesday night training session under the Gabba lights.

Khawaja faced a searching examination of short balls on Monday though his Test future may still hinge on how he fares at the team’s main training session two days out from the Test.

As Pat Cummins took another step towards his impending return, Khawaja spent about half an hour in the nets after a stretching session and while not looking overly troubled, selectors may still need to see more from him in the nets before deciding whether to pick the veteran for the pink ball clash with England at the Gabba starting on Thursday.

Usman Khawaja plays a shot during an Australia nets session. Picture: Getty Images

Facing a bevy of short throw downs from assistant coach Michael Di Venuto, Khawaja, who turns 39 next month, was clearly moving considerably better than he had been in Perth, where he was unable to open the batting in either innings because of back spasms.

Khawaja at times appeared to grimace when playing attacking shots but batted on 10 minutes after the team doctor suggested he end the session.

He gave a thumbs up to Australia physiotherapist Nick Jones in a promising sign of good health.

But whether it is yet enough to convince chairman of selectors George Bailey and his panel remains to be seen.

Languid at the best of times, Khawaja did not exactly appear to be jumping out of his skin while batting in what shapes as a highly pressurised week for him.

Captain Cummins meanwhile bowled with full steam during a lively session, beating Steve Smith with a classic leg cutter, but is still awaiting official medical clearance before being added to the squad, which would in turn generate the prospect of him swanning into the XI for the second Test.

Fitness is merely one part of the equation for Khawaja, whose dwindling returns against pace over more than two years have left his spot in question.

Usman Khawaja all smiles with his career on the line. Picture: Liam Kidston

That picture was further complicated by the brilliant feats of Travis Head opening the batting at Perth Stadium last week, with former greats split as to whether Khawaja should hold his place in the side or be left out, denying him a potentially storybook farewell in Sydney at the end of the summer.

Teammate Marnus Labuschagne said before training on Monday that while Khawaja remained an outstanding player, no one was bigger than the team.

“I think Usman’s a high quality player. When you look at his record, 84, 85 Tests, and you know what he’s done for Australian cricket, especially since he’s come back in 2021 he’s been super consistent. He’s been really the rock at the top there,” Labuschagne said.

“There’s been a lot of talk about how many opening partners he’s had over his time. But I mean I’m not a selector, and I think whatever happens is is all up to people above my pay grade and what they think is the best way for us to win the game and win the series. So I think it’s just a game by game, and you work out what’s your best team, and how does it best work.”

Usman Khawaja endured a torrid first Test as selectors weight up his future. Picture: Getty Images

Labuschagne stressed that the team always had to be the No. 1 priority for selectors.

“I think the most important thing is the team comes first at any stage. I know there’s different times where different people may have done that in the past, but I think taking nothing away. And he’s an amazing player. He’s been an amazing player 85 Tests, averaging 45, all around the world, the way he’s played.

“But that’s, once again, not up to me, and it’s not up to any of us. What is the best way to win the game, and what does that look like, that’s what’s most important.”

Originally published as The Ashes 2025: Usman Khawaja passes first his test as selectors ponder his Test cricket future