Australia's coaching staff will subject Usman Khawaja to a medical examination this week after back spasms limited his participation in the Perth Test match, though head coach Andrew McDonald remains confident the veteran opener will recover for the Brisbane fixture. The 37-year-old was unable to fulfill his customary role in either innings and spent extended periods off the field, prompting medical personnel to investigate an ailment he had never previously encountered during his international career.
Selection discussions have intensified following Travis Head's match-winning century while deputizing in the opening position, raising questions about potential batting order adjustments. McDonald acknowledged that middle-order specialists rarely transition to the top of the lineup but suggested tactical flexibility could mirror approaches used in limited-overs formats, where teams strategically position power hitters according to match situations.
Selection discussions have intensified following Travis Head's match-winning century while deputizing in the opening position, raising questions about potential batting order adjustments. McDonald acknowledged that middle-order specialists rarely transition to the top of the lineup but suggested tactical flexibility could mirror approaches used in limited-overs formats, where teams strategically position power hitters according to match situations.
