Ahead of the third Test of the Ashes 2025–26 series in Adelaide, Australian opener Usman Khawaja gave the hosts a significant fitness report, stating that he is fully recovered from back spasms. Days before the pink-ball Test starts, Khawaja’s availability has sparked debates about Australia’s opening lineup as the two nations get ready for another match.
Following back spasms during the first Test in Perth, the southpaw was forced to miss the second Test in Brisbane. Australia changed their batting order as a result of the injury, promoting Travis Head to open alongside Jake Weatherald. Head delivered strong top-level performances, including a century in Perth, and the two added significant opening stands in both Test matches, so the decision paid off right away.
Khawaja was still included in Australia’s squad for the Adelaide Test in spite of his absence. After completing a rigorous rehabilitation program, the 38-year-old is adamant that he is now physically prepared to return. Khawaja acknowledged to reporters in Adelaide that although he would like to participate, the club management has the last say.
“Obviously, I want to play. I’m not entirely sure. It’s obviously not my choice. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve become more at ease with both controllable and uncontrollable situations. In terms of being prepared to go, I feel great. I can’t control the rest of it. We’ll see what happens, then. I feel completely well. I felt completely well before Perth, too, until something else [occurs]. One of those things, that’s all. I’ve completed everything. I spent the entire last week training because of this. He told reporters, “I was just doing rehab, which is terrible because you have to do more when you get injured, right?”
I’ve had a good deal of work: Usman Khawaja
Khawaja acknowledged that he had been training hard lately, going to the gym several times, doing running exercises, and practicing on the net for a long time before, during, and after the Gabba Test.
“I’ve had a good amount of load, but it’s clear that I wanted to acquire as much as I could, and I’m consistently operating at 100%. Thus, things are feeling quite nice once more,” he continued.
By citing his recent Sheffield Shield exploits, where he shown the ability to score at various rates, the seasoned batter further supported his form. He emphasised that he still has gears to change depending on the circumstances and circumstances of the match.
“When I want gears, I have them. You must figure out how to maintain consistency over an extended period of time, not just a game or two. I’ve therefore always been aware of that. I believe I’ve been scoring quite [fast] and I can go out there and play more shots. Therefore, there are instances when the game and the circumstances [and] the wickets necessitate that. He said, “I think I just play the game, what’s in front of me.”
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