Australia has been forced into a change for the second Ashes Test in Brisbane with Usman Khawaja unable to recover from a back complaint.

The 38-year-old was ruled out on Tuesday evening. While no replacement has been named yet, Josh Inglis and Beau Webster are in line to come in for the hosts.

Khawaja was unable to open in either innings of the first Test, with Travis Head scoring a match-winning century in the second innings.

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Head is the front-runner to open the batting alongside Jake Weatherald, with Inglis or Webster to come into the XI.

In a potential sign of which way Australia is leaning with selection, multiple photos on X showed Inglis at third slip in a catching session at the Gabba on Tuesday.

Khawaja, who turns 39 next month, underwent a net session at the Gabba on Tuesday in a bid to prove his fitness.

The veteran opener, however, appeared in discomfort and was subsequently ruled out.

While he hasn’t been replaced in the squad it leaves his international future in doubt.

Paceman Scott Boland had sympathy for Khawaja.

“It’s hard because he’s put in a lot of work since the last game just trying to get his body right but he hasn’t come up, unfortunately,” Boland told reporters.

“I thought he looked pretty good in the nets, but he must have thought in himself that he wasn’t ready to go.”

Boland added: “I think the best thing about our team over the last few years is when someone has come out, either due to form or an injury, someone’s always stood up and done their job.”

Cricket Australia confirmed he will remain with the side to continue his rehabilitation.

“Usman Khawaja has been ruled out of the Ashes Test match against England in Brisbane with a back injury. He has not been replaced in the squad,” Cricket Australia said in a statement.

“Khawaja will remain with the team to continue his rehabilitation. He has not been replaced in the squad.”

It comes after England confirmed one change to its side for the second Test, with spinning all-round Will Jacks replacing the injured Mark Woods.

The second Test kicks off on Thursday at the Gabba.

Australia squad: Steve Smith (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster