# **Josh Inglis Set to Replace Injured Khawaja in 2nd Ashes Test as Australia Forced into Late Change**
**Brisbane, December 3** – Australia’s Ashes campaign has hit another hurdle as opener **Usman Khawaja** has been ruled out of the second Test against England due to back spasms. With the crucial day-night clash at The Gabba just a day away, the hosts have turned to **Josh Inglis** as a potential replacement, adding another twist to an already dramatic series.
### **Inglis Poised for Test Debut Amid Khawaja’s Absence**
According to reports from **AAP**, wicketkeeper-batter **Josh Inglis** is expected to make his Test debut in Brisbane, slotting into the middle order while **Travis Head** retains his role as opener. The decision is set to be officially confirmed by captain **Steve Smith** in Wednesday’s pre-match press conference.
Khawaja’s injury adds to Australia’s growing list of absentees, with **Pat Cummins** and **Josh Hazlewood** already sidelined. The left-hander attempted a brief training session on Tuesday but struggled with discomfort, leaving selectors with little choice but to make a late change.
### **Why Inglis Over Webster?**
While **Beau Webster** was also in contention, Inglis appears to have edged ahead due to his recent slip-catching practice—a role Khawaja typically fills. Inglis, known for his aggressive batting and sharp glovework, has been a consistent performer in domestic cricket and could provide much-needed stability in the middle order.
### **Australia’s Revised XI for the Pink-Ball Test**
With Khawaja out, Australia’s likely lineup for the second Test is:
1. **Travis Head**
2. **David Warner**
3. **Marnus Labuschagne**
4. **Steve Smith (c)**
5. **Josh Inglis**
6. **Cameron Green**
7. **Alex Carey (wk)**
8. **Mitchell Starc**
9. **Nathan Lyon**
10. **Scott Boland**
11. **Michael Neser**
### **England’s Opportunity to Strike Back**
England, trailing 1-0 after a narrow defeat in the first Test, will see Khawaja’s absence as a chance to exploit Australia’s reshuffled batting order. The pink-ball conditions at The Gabba could further complicate matters, with swing and seam movement likely under lights.
### **What’s Next?**
The second Ashes Test begins on **December 4**, with all eyes on how Inglis handles the pressure of his debut in such a high-stakes encounter. Can Australia maintain their dominance, or will England capitalize on the hosts’ injury woes?
Stay tuned for more updates as the Ashes drama unfolds!
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*This article first appeared on Inside Sport India.*