Usman Khawaja confident of Gabba fitness but slams Perth pitch
28 Nov 2025

Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja has expressed confidence in his fitness for the second Test at the Gabba.

However, he was less than impressed with the pitch at Perth during the first Ashes Test.

Khawaja was unable to open in either innings of the opening Test due to England's quick collapse on day one and later re-injuring himself while attempting a catch on day two.

Khawaja's absence and batting order shuffle
Match impact

With Khawaja still off the field when Australia began their first innings, Marnus Labuschagne opened with debutant Jake Weatherald.

Steve Smith then moved to No. 3, leaving Khawaja to come in at No. 4.

However, he could only score two runs before being dismissed by a rising delivery from Brydon Carse on day one of the match.

Khawaja criticizes Perth pitch after 19 wickets fell
Pitch criticism

Khawaja was among the 19 wickets that fell on day one, a stark contrast to the ICC match referee Ranjan Madugalle's assessment of the surface as "very good."

He slammed the pitch at an event for his charity, Usman Khawaja Foundation.

"Nineteen wickets on the first day and about 20 people got hit, that's a great wicket - that seems real fair," he said sarcastically, as per ESPNcricinfo.

Khawaja highlights unpredictability of Perth pitch
Pitch unpredictability

Khawaja also highlighted the unpredictable nature of the Perth pitch, saying, "You can't really predict up and down. Up and down is the hardest - sideways is a little bit easier but up and down your hands can't catch up."

"So day one wicket at [Perth] is a piece of s***, I'm happy to say that. It has been last year, it was this year. They do get better. Day two, day three, and then day four, they start to crack up," he added.

Khawaja's confidence for Gabba despite injury
Injury update

Despite his injury, Khawaja is confident about his fitness for the second Test at the Gabba.

He said, "I feel good. I'd never experienced it before, but the last few days have been good."

He also revealed that he had anti-inflammatories and strong painkillers during this time to be able to field again after going off on day one due to his back spasms.

Khawaja included in Australia's squad for 2nd Test vs England
Fact

Squad: 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.