Spin has largely been a peripheral factor across the first four Tests, with England opting not to play frontline spinner Shoaib Bashir and Australia’s veteran Nathan Lyon restricted before being ruled out through injury.
Subsequent scans confirmed the extent of the injury, forcing Atkinson out of the remainder of the tour. Australia currently lead the five-match Ashes series 3-1 heading into the final ICC World Test Championship fixture.
Despite 94,199 fans turning up on day one and another sell-out expected on day two, Greenberg acknowledged the growing concern within Cricket Australia over the financial impact of Tests that end too quickly.
The world’s top-ranked Test batter had endured three previous Ashes tours Down Under without tasting success, but that personal drought finally ended as England chased down a target of 175 in a dramatic two-day contest.
Steve Smith was generous in defeat after England produced a stirring four-wicket win over Australia in the fourth Ashes Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, ending the hosts’ long unbeaten run at home against their traditional rivals.
Despite featuring in 140 Tests for Australia, Lyon has been left out of the XI twice in the last three matches, a rare situation for the experienced campaigner.
Khawaja, who is recovering from back spasms, leaves Australia with a key selection dilemma ahead of the third Test.
Pat Cummins returns for the third Test, while Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the remainder of the series. England, meanwhile, will be without Mark Wood for the rest of the tour.
“Josh Hazlewood reported Achilles soreness this week during his rehabilitation from a recent hamstring injury,” Cricket Australia said in a statement. “It is a low-grade issue, and he is expected to recommence running and bowling next week.”
The 38-year-old will remain with the side to continue his rehabilitation, and no replacement has been named in his place. This means Australia's squad for the Gabba encounter is trimmed down to 13.
