Labuschagne backs under fire Khawaja ahead of second Ashes Test

The Ashes - Australia v England - First Test - Perth Stadium, Perth, Australia - Nov 22, 2025 Australia's Marnus Labuschagne in action REUTERS/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake

Marnus Labuschagne has backed Usman Khawaja ahead of the second Ashes Test and made it clear he will not be moving back up the order even if Australia decide to drop the struggling opener.

Khawaja struggled with back spasms during Australia's dramatic victory over England in the series opener in Perth, failing to open either innings and contributing only two runs to his team's cause.

Travis Head's match-winning century as Khawaja's replacement as opener has reinvigorated the debate over the top of the Australian order, but Labuschagne bridled on Monday when asked if he had any advice for the lefthander.

"I don't think he needs advice," Labuschagne told reporters at Brisbane's Gabba, where the second test starts on Thursday.