Usman Khawaja has called on Australian cricket selectors to pick an all-Queensland top order for the Ashes series, in a move that would see two current teammates axed. Australia coach Andrew McDonald confirmed on Monday that Steve Smith would replace the injured Pat Cummins as captain for the first Test against England in Perth on November 21, but questions remain over a number of positions in the Aussie XI.
The biggest of those centre around Australia’s top order and who will open alongside Khawaja. Marnus Labuschagne is back in form and has made a string of centuries in domestic cricket, with his Test recall looking inevitable and another crack at opener a possibility.
Usman Khawaja’s (L) Test selection call spells bad news for his Aussie teammate and opening partner, Sam Konstas (centre). Pic: Getty
Sam Konstas looks long-odds to hang onto the opening role he won during the last home summer Test series against India after a lean run of scores with the bat recently. While the likes of Tasmania opener Jake Weatherald and former Test star Matt Renshaw have emerged as the other main contenders to open in the first Ashes Test.
Khawaja reckons Australia’s best Test lineup includes Labuschagne batting at No.3, and the veteran wants selectors to go with fellow Queenslander Renshaw as his opening partner. The eye-opening call would mean Konstas is axed from the Test side, along with one of Cameron Green or Beau Webster, with the all-rounders battling for the remaining spot at No.6
“Queensland… one, two and three would be great,” Khawaja said ahead of the Sheffield Shield clash with NSW that starts on Tuesday at the Gabba. “I think our best lineup has Marnus three, (Steve) Smith four and (Travis) Head five.”
Usman Khawaja (L) wants to see Queensland teammate Matt Renshaw (R) given another crack at opening for the Aussie Test side. Pic: Getty
Usman Khawaja backs Matt Renshaw for Test recall
Renshaw has scored a recent Shield century and made three impressive cameos for Australia this month in ODI cricket. He’s played 14 Tests for Australia but failed to cement his spot in the side. However, Khawaja believes the 29-year-old has learned a lot over the years and is ready for a Test recall.
“I know if Renshaw is picked that he is in the best space right now to have a crack at Australia again and be ready to score runs,” Khawaja said. “Obviously I am a little bit biased because he is my opening partner and a friend of mine, but he’s been there and done it.
“He has scored 184 for Australia. He has been in and out of the Australian team and it allows you to grow, as I know from experience. It allows you to learn from experiences when you get the opportunity again… You feel like he is one guy that really belongs at the next level.”
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Labuschagne has four centuries in Shield and One-Day Cup matches this summer, and Khawaja says he’s in a great space mentally. “Our best side has Marnus in it. He brings a lot of energy, so hopefully he will be back,” Khawaja said. “He is hitting less balls (in training) than he ever has. He is not hitting balls before the game in the morning. He was usually in there for an hour but he is giving his brain a bit more of a rest.”
Marnus Labuschagne’s impressive domestic form for Queensland looks likely to earn him a Test recall for Australia in the Ashes. Pic: Getty
Ian Healy says Australia should select two all-rounders
Aussie legend Ian Healy also believes Labuschagne has done enough to earn a Test recall, and insists he should be an option to open. He reckons selectors should pick both all-rounders Green and Webster, who are battling niggling injuries but are expected to be right for the first Test.
Healy believes Green has shown enough with the bat to be picked at No.3. And he dismissed suggestions that the all-rounder should be overlooked if he can’t bowl against England in the first Test. “I think it’s just a bit harsh on Green. He’s the one newbie that’s made good strides with his batting,” he said.
“He can stand up to that pressure and he’s made strides, so I don’t mind him staying and then Marnus, who is much more capable this year of the heavy lifting in the top three… with an in-form Usman Khawaja and Marnus opening and then Green at three. Then you let Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster and Alex Carey do much less than they’ve been asked to do in recent times.”