Usman Khawaja’s Test future hangs in the balance after being ruled out of the second Ashes Test with the back spasms that plagued the opener in Perth.

It opens the door for West Australian keeper Josh Inglis to return to the Test side after being trialled as an opener against the English Lions.

Khawaja was unable to open in either innings in Perth and spent much of the match resting on the sidelines with back spasms.

The 39-year-old had a half-hour net session at the Gabba on Tuesday but didn’t look comfortable.

While he won’t play in the pink-ball match starting on Thursday, he will not be replaced and remains with the squad.

It also leaves Australia needing another opener after Jake Weatherald was blooded in Perth, while Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head both filled in at the position.

Head could remain in the role after his blistering second-innings century, which would open the door for a middle-order reshuffle with Cam Green moving up a spot and then Inglis or Beau Webster able to come in.

England have also been forced into making a change with star fast bowler Mark Wood ruled out and replaced by spinning all-rounder Will Jacks.

Wood has spent the past three days wearing a clunky brace on his left knee, the same knee he underwent surgery on in March, after reporting pain.

Khawaja has had a hard time avoiding headlines since the opening Test, with speculation surrounding his position rife, especially after he made comments labelling the Perth pitch “a piece of s***”.

It is believed that Cricket Australia is considering sanctioning the Queenslander over the incident, but it is not related to his non-participation in the Brisbane match.

The left-armer faced just six deliveries in Perth before being nicked off for two by a rearing delivery from Brydon Carse.

Khawaja has also failed to pass 50 in his past nine Test innings.

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