OPINION
Usman Khawaja‘s hopes of returning to the Test team for the third Ashes Test have taken a blow, with Australia on the cusp of taking a 2-0 lead in the series. And two former Test openers have shown the future is bright for Australia for the post-Khawaja era.
Australia’s choice to have Josh Inglis bat at No.7 in the first innings at the Gabba suggests they’re keen for Travis Head to remain in the opener’s role. If they were planning for Khawaja to come back in and for Head to drop back down the order, they probably would have batted Inglis at No.5.
Usman Khawaja (L) has copped a new blow, while the Aussies have somewhat vindicated axing Nathan Lyon (R). Image: Getty
But they instead shuffled Cameron Green and Alex Carey up to No.5 and No.6 respectively, with Inglis coming in at No.7. It was a curious move, but one that many believe shows Head will remain at the top of the order for the foreseeable future.
If selectors were planning for Khawaja to come straight back in once he recovers from his back ailment, you’d expect they’d want the least amount of changes to the batting order as possible in Brisbane. But by shifting Green and Carey, it seemed to suggest they might be keen for Head to stay at the top for the rest of the series.
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Inglis didn’t exactly cement his spot when he made 23 off 25 balls, but he showed his added value with a stunning run-out to dismiss Ben Stokes in the first innings. On the other hand, Jake Weatherald went a long way to cementing his opener’s role with 72 in the first dig.
Head only made 33, but for the most part showed he’s completely comfortable opening. The Aussies will also be hard-pressed changing a winning team, and they look all-but assured of victory at the Gabba.
Sam Konstas and Nathan McSweeney make Test statements
It adds to suggestions Khawaja might have played his final Test, and Konstas and McSweeney made some major statements in recent days that they’re ready to replace the 38-year-old. Konstas made 116 in NSW’s Sheffield Shield clash with Queensland on Friday – his fourth century in first-class cricket at age 20. It was also his first ton in red-ball cricket since making his Test debut last summer and subsequently being dropped.
McSweeney is another batter who debuted last summer only to be dropped, but the South Australian has bounced back to his best form. On Saturday he reached 222 not out at stumps in Australia A’s tour game against the England Lions.
If selectors want Head to eventually move back to No.5, Konstas and McSweeney have shown they could capably partner Weatherald at the top. And it means Khawaja wouldn’t be leaving the team in the lurch if he decides to retire.
Nathan McSweeney (L) made a double century for Australia A, while Sam Konstas (R) made ton for NSW against Queensland. Image: Getty
Hard to argue Nathan Lyon’s axing was wrong call
As for Lyon, opinion is still heavily divided on whether selectors made the right call to leave him out of the Gabba Test. But Michael Neser went a long way to vindicating the decision on Saturday night as he showed his mastery with the pink ball.
Australia dropped Lyon in anticipation of their seamers wreaking havoc with the pink ball under lights in the day-night Test. Neser, Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland did exactly that in the night session of day three, taking two wickets apiece as England slumped to 6-134 at stumps – still 43 runs from making Australia bat again.
Brendan Doggett hasn’t exactly vindicated being picked ahead of Lyon, taking 1-81 in 15.2 overs in the first innings and 0-19 at the close of play on day three off six overs. But Neser – who was the man who technically replaced Lyon – certainly has.
Michael Neser took two key wickets as England collapsed on day three. (Photo by DAVID GRAY / AFP via Getty Images)
Neser only snared one wicket in the first innings, although technically should have had two because the Aussies and umpires failed to identify a nick from Zac Crawley. But he showed exactly why he was picked on Saturday night with two trademark caught-and-bowled dismissals.
The Aussies went with Neser because he’s somewhat of a pink-ball specialist on his home deck at the Gabba. On Saturday night he picked up Ollie Pope and Crawley – both caught and bowled – with some deception that comes from knowing the conditions and how to make the pink ball react.
“I always dream about playing for Australia. It’s something that I live and breathe, cricket. To be given another chance, I’m very honoured,” he said on Saturday night.
George Bailey has guaranteed Lyon will return for the third Test in Adelaide. His axing has divided plenty in the cricket world, but for now it’s hard to argue it was the wrong call.