We already know Usman Khawaja has been ruled out of the Second Test against England with a back injury.
Now it seems we also have a strong clue as to who’s going to replace the 38-year-old Queenslander in the Australian squad—and it looks like bad news for Beau Webster.
Khawaja’s injury means Travis Head is almost certain to once again be promoted to open the batting alongside Jake Weatherald in Brisbane.
But who takes his spot in middle order?
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The decision was expected to be between Beau Webster and Josh Inglis—unless both men play and Nathan Lyon misses out after bowling just two overs in Perth.
That seems unlikely, however, based on optics as the Australians went through an early-evening catching session at the Gabba on Tuesday.
Journalist Bharat Sundaresan, who is covering the 2025-26 Ashes Series for Channel 7, noted that Josh Inglis started the session fielding at third slip while all-rounder Webster was nowhere to be seen.
Whilst yet to be confirmed by the Australian camp, it’s the strongest indication yet that Inglis may indeed earn a Test recall in Brisbane with Nathan Lyon also likely to hold his place in the XI.
Should it happen, it means the unlucky Webster would yet again be left to carry the drinks as he did in Perth.