June 04, 2026
The lefthander's spot in the line-up is under scrutiny following his demotion down the batting order
Cummins returns from a back injury, while Khawaja is left out after suffering back spasms in Perth
The left-handed batter missed the pink-ball encounter against England due to a back problem
The Aussie opener was unable to open either innings in the series opener in Perth because of back spasms
Khawaja struggled with back spasms during Australia's dramatic victory over England in the series opener in Perth
The Australia captain is in contention to play the second Ashes Test, while fellow quick Josh Hazlewood is also expected to return later in the series
Konstas has been drafted in to replace Marnus Labuschagne, who opened in the World Test Championship final alongside Khawaja
Marnus Labuschagne has been floated as a candidate while Travis Head and Sam Konstas remain options after being named in the squad
