Australia's hopes for the final Ashes Test have been dealt a significant blow with the news that key batsman Usman Khawaja has been ruled out of the match at The Oval. The 38-year-old opener sustained a calf strain during a training session, forcing him to withdraw from the crucial fixture starting on Thursday, 1 January 2026.
Training Session Setback Sidelines Veteran Opener
The injury occurred on Sunday, 29 December 2025, as the Australian squad prepared for the series finale. Khawaja felt tightness in his left calf while batting in the nets at The Oval. Subsequent scans confirmed a low-grade strain, making him unavailable for selection. This development is a major setback for the Australian team, as Khawaja has been a pillar of stability at the top of the order throughout the series.
Team management confirmed that Marcus Harris will step into the side to replace Khawaja. The Victorian left-hander, who last played a Test in January 2022, has been with the squad as a reserve batsman and is now poised for a recall. Harris is expected to open the batting alongside Steve Smith, who has been promoted to the top of the order for this match.
Team Reshuffle and Series Context
Khawaja's absence triggers a reshuffle in the Australian batting lineup. Captain Pat Cummins confirmed that Smith will move up to open, a position he has filled briefly before in Test cricket. This move allows all-rounder Cameron Green to return to the middle order at number four, with Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh following.
The injury comes at a pivotal moment in the Ashes series. Australia currently holds a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. The final Test at The Oval, therefore, presents an opportunity to secure a series victory on English soil. Khawaja's experience and ability to occupy the crease will be sorely missed in what is anticipated to be a high-pressure contest.
Australian coach Andrew McDonald expressed his disappointment but backed the incoming players. "It's obviously disappointing to lose someone of Uzzie's calibre at this stage," McDonald said. "He's been instrumental for us. But it provides an opportunity for others, and we have full confidence in the group we have."
Focus Shifts to Recovery and Future Fixtures
While the immediate focus is on the Fifth Test, attention will also turn to Khawaja's recovery timeline. A low-grade calf strain typically requires a few weeks of rehabilitation. The Australian team's next major assignment is a home summer, and management will be keen to have their premier opener fully fit for those contests.
For Marcus Harris, this call-up is a chance to reignite his Test career. Having scored a century in his most recent first-class outing for Victoria, he comes into the side with form and confidence. His performance under the intense scrutiny of an Ashes decider will be closely watched by fans and selectors alike.
The Fifth Ashes Test at The Oval begins on Thursday, with Australia needing only a draw to retain the famous urn. However, without the steadying influence of Usman Khawaja, the task for Pat Cummins's side has undoubtedly become more challenging.
