Usman Khawaja flew from Perth to his home town of Brisbane on Sunday with his international career at a critical point.

After 85 games in the baggy green, the question is unavoidable: is now a good time for the 38-year-old to walk away from Test cricket?

Two days after Australia’s third Test in the Caribbean in July – when the West Indies were skittled for 27 on another bowler-friendly pitch – coach Andrew McDonald sensed the storm clouds forming and moved early to douse speculation by backing Khawaja to play in the Ashes despite the veteran making just 117 runs at an average of 19.5 on that tour.

“We see him playing a part during the summer,” McDonald said. “He’s got great experience [and] we still feel he’s moving well.”

Yet, despite public support from McDonald, the irony in Perth was stark: Khawaja could not open in either innings as a result of back spasms.

Cricket Australia says Khawaja picked up a fresh injury on day one in Perth rather than the back complaint being a consequence of three rounds of golf in three days leading into the Test.

Is it time for Usman Khawaja to hang up his baggy green cap?Credit: Getty Images

Travis Head’s astonishing fourth-innings century – after volunteering to open the batting as far back as when David Warner retired – has made things even more interesting. Head’s incredible innings now presents selectors with a dilemma at the top of the order, given England would much prefer to be bowling to Khawaja than Head.

The next Ashes Test is in Khawaja’s home town, Brisbane, starting on December 4. His friends and........

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