'No doubt about that': Brad Haddin backs Usman Khawaja to retain spot for second Test

Brad Haddin is adamant Usman Khawaja will retain his spot at the top of Australia's batting order, despite pressure mounting on the veteran opener.

It was absolute chaos in Perth when the 38-year-old was unable to take his spot in the first innings after spending too much time off the field during England's collapse.

Khawaja instead came in at No.4 and was dismissed cheaply for two and in the second innings, Travis Head took his place and partnered Jake Weatherald at the top.

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It has been reported that Khawaja was suffering back spasms during the Test and there were multiple times he appeared to be in discomfort while fielding.

However, the pressure that surrounds the left-hander was amplified by reports that he played golf the day before the match begin at Perth Stadium - even though Cricket Australia boss Todd Greenberg said critics were "drawing a long bow".

His absence in the second innings saw Head stand up and produce one of the all-time Ashes knocks, blasting 123 off 83 deliveries to give Australia an early series lead.

The debate has now turned to whether Head should remain as the opening batter and potentially bring Beau Webster back into the middle-order, forcing Khawaja out.

But speaking on Willow Talk's social media channels, Haddin said the experienced star deserved to hold onto his position at the Gabba.

"The future of the order doesn't change," the former Test vice-captain said.

"Usman has had some back troubles throughout the Test match.

"We saw when he walked off, that catch went just over his head and he jumped up to try and get a hand on it and landed uncomfortably on his back.

"He'll come back in for the next Test match. Travis Head stood up when he had to, one of his teammates went down and today was just one of those great Australian moments.

"We witnessed something special, it's not about Usman getting injured or having a back spasm - he will be back for the second Test, no doubt about that.

"But what Travis Head did today under pressure, for his country, was unbelievable."

Aside from the drama in Perth, it has been a difficult period for Khawaja as his time in the international arena winds down.

Last summer against India, he only reached fifty once in the five-game series, before blasting a double-century against Sri Lanka in favourable conditions.

Khawaja was also among a stack of Aussie batters who struggled for runs in the West Indies in the middle of the year.

He has scored more than 6000 runs in his Test career at a healthy average of 43.56.