Usman Khawaja has damaged his Ashes silence with a weird rant after he was spared the axe – for now – however the under-siege Aussie Take a look at opener isn’t any assure of enjoying in Brisbane.
Khawaja suffered again spasms throughout day one of many first Ashes Take a look at at Optus Stadium in Perth, forcing him off the sector for remedy.
He aggravated it once more fielding on day two, successfully ruling him out of batting within the second innings as effectively.
With the Queensland Bulls star turning 39 in December, it has positioned him underneath excessive scrutiny following a run of lean performances.
Whereas the veteran opener averages 43.56 at Take a look at stage and has been a mainstay of the aspect since his recall in 2022, his type has plummeted off a cliff lately.
The opener averaged 25.9 in 2024, dropping to only 12.6 in a stunning Take a look at collection in opposition to India final summer season, and has gone 11 innings with out a half century.
Usman Khawaja has come underneath fireplace for current type and accidents, with the opener turning 39 this December
Khawaja had a Take a look at to neglect in Perth, struggling again spasms and spending giant durations off the sector
The veteran opener isn’t any assure to play the second Take a look at in Brisbane regardless of being named within the 14-man squad
His again harm, and the very fact he performed in a golf event the day earlier than the Perth Take a look at, has left followers calling for the axe to fall on the veteran.
However talking for the primary time since Travis Head and Mitchel Starc put England to the sword to rescue Australia within the first Ashes Take a look at, Khawaja selected to put into the Perth wicket – which was given the best doable ranking by the ICC.
‘Nineteen wickets on the primary day and about 20 individuals bought hit, that is a terrific wicket – that appears actual honest,’ Khawaja stated sarcastically.
‘So day one wicket at [Perth] is a bit of s***, I am completely satisfied to say that. It has been final yr, it was this yr.
‘They do get higher. Day two, day three, after which day 4, they begin to crack up and treatment once more.
‘We all know day two, day three is often the most effective time to bat. So every time we play in Perth, it is one of many few locations we win the toss and bat first hoping that we are able to bat once more possibly the top of day two and into day three.’
Cricket Australia named an unchanged 14-man squad for the second Take a look at in Brisbane, which means skipper Pat Cummins [back] might want to wait till Adelaide to probably return.
Nonetheless that does not imply Khawaja is protected. Coach Andrew McDonald might select to maintain Head within the opener place and usher in reserve batsman Josh Inglis within the center order.
Skipper Pat Cummins has additionally did not get well from a again criticism for the second Take a look at
Tempo spearhead Josh Hazlewood is battling to return from a hamstring criticism and hopes to play a task on the again finish of The Ashes
Inglis lately scored an unbeaten ton in opposition to the England Lions XI in a follow match.
Former Take a look at skipper Mark Taylor thinks that may very well be the way in which to go.
‘I believe they have an issue already solved for them with Travis Head enjoying so effectively,’ Taylor stated.
‘He put his hand up, he wished to do it, he did a terrific job and guided Australia to a well-known victory.
‘If I used to be within the choice panel, I might be saying, ‘I am not altering that. Travis Head is my man’.
‘It might be a really troublesome determination [to axe Khawaja]. It usually is. That is why you might have selectors. It’s a skilled cricket staff.
‘On the finish of the day, you have to choose what you consider is the most effective staff for right this moment with a watch to tomorrow. That is why I believe I’d not be touching it [as it stands].’
Australia can also be with out tempo spearhead Josh Hazlewood [hamstring], with the tempo veteran hoping to return in the direction of the top of the collection.
‘It is coming alongside slowly,’ Hazlewood stated on the SCG on Friday.
‘I will have one other bowl right this moment, simply began the opposite day. Operating and the whole lot’s going effectively.
‘It is most likely powerful to place a timeline on it. I believe ‘Ron’ [Australian coach Andrew McDonald] most likely nailed it the opposite day – play an element within the again finish, hopefully.
‘Hopefully it isn’t nonetheless within the steadiness, hopefully we’re on prime by then.’
