India, Dec. 1 -- Usman Khawaja has taken an important step towards playing the day-night Ashes Test at the Gabba, but Australia are still waiting to see whether their veteran opener's back will hold up to the full demands of a five-day match. The 38-year-old, who did not bat in the fourth innings of the Perth Test due to back spasms, returned to the nets in Brisbane with a cautious but promising training hit.

Australia's management, however, is in no rush to declare him fit. They are expected to push the final call closer to the second Test, weighing sentiment and experience against cold, hard fitness realities in a pivotal game of the series.

As reported by cricket.com.au, Usman Khawaja went through a series of running drills on the Ga...