It is understood that wicketkeeper-batsman Josh Inglis and all-rounder Beau Webster are the leading candidates to fill Khawaja's spot in the playing XI, with Australia choosing not to call up an additional squad member.

Travis Head’s exceptional display as a fourth innings opener in Perth makes him a clear contender to replace Khawaja as opener in Brisbane, with the batter telling reporters last week that he is flexible to bat anywhere in the lineup.

Khawaja’s exclusion is somewhat unexpected after he spent 30 minutes batting in Brisbane on Monday, although he only faced sidearm deliveries from batting coach Michael di Venuto, and later told the media he no longer needed painkillers and "should be ready" to start on Thursday.

Australia’s final training session on Wednesday will be the last chance for Webster and Inglis to prove their case for Test selection, although team management almost certainly had contingency plans prepared for Khawaja.

Bowlers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood have already been ruled out of the second Test.

Meanwhile, England announced on Tuesday afternoon that Will Jacks will bat at number eight in England’s lineup.

Jacks entered consideration on Monday when he and Bashir both bowled extensively at captain Ben Stokes amid speculation that England might opt for a spin bowler rather than the all-pace attack used in Perth.

He last featured in Test cricket on England’s December 2022 tour of Pakistan, scoring 89 runs and taking six wickets in two matches, but has since made significant progress in white-ball cricket and gained match practice by playing in both England Lions tour matches last month, albeit without notable success.

England’s 2nd Test XI to face Australia:

Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (captain), Jamie Smith, Will Jacks, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer

Australia’s 13-man 2nd Test squad:

Batsmen: Alex Carey (wk), Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (c), Jake Weatherald

All-rounders: Cameron Green, Michael Neser, Beau Webster

Bowlers: Scott Boland, Brendan Doggett, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc