UPDATE: Usman Khawaja has confirmed he will play in the upcoming Gabba Test without the need for pain-killing injections, marking a significant turnaround from his recent struggles with injury. The 38-year-old cricketer, speaking at a charity fundraiser on October 27, 2023, expressed confidence in his fitness ahead of Australia’s second Test against England, scheduled for next Thursday.
Khawaja faced severe back spasms during the first Ashes Test in Perth, which left him unable to stand at times. He initially considered an epidural if the match extended into a third day. However, after a few days of recovery, Khawaja reassured fans and teammates that he is ready to take his place in the unchanged 14-man squad.
“I’ve never had back spasms before, so it’s very new to me,” Khawaja admitted. He added that despite the injury, he did everything possible to contribute to the team, even risking further damage during the first Test. “I was like, I either do that or I don’t open for my country,” he said, recalling the moment he felt pain while attempting to catch a ball.
“I walked off the field, and I was pretty devastated,” Khawaja shared, reflecting on the emotional toll of his injury.
His absence from the first innings allowed teammate Travis Head to shine, scoring a match-winning century, which has sparked discussions about Head potentially taking over Khawaja’s opening position. Yet, Khawaja remains focused, stating he hasn’t paid attention to the speculation.
With a stellar average of 59.37 at the Gabba over the past four seasons, Khawaja’s return could be crucial for Australia’s performance against England. He emphasized that he treated every Test match as a bonus since his recall in 2022, showcasing his determination to contribute to the team’s success.
Khawaja’s journey back to fitness included unconventional methods, such as sleeping with a pregnancy pillow to alleviate discomfort. He has declared that at this stage, he will not require further injections, which is a relief for both him and the Australian cricket community.
As anticipation builds for the Gabba Test, Khawaja’s resilience offers an inspiring narrative amid the intense competition of the Ashes series. Fans can expect to see how his experience and skill will impact the game next week, as Australia aims to capitalize on their home ground advantage.
Stay tuned for further updates as the situation develops leading up to the Test match.
