Queensland batsman Usman Khawaja could be set for a Test recall, according to Australian cricket great Ian Healy.
Having made a century in Queensland’s Shield game against South Australia on Sunday, Khawaja has re-entered the discussion for Ashes selection despite not donning the baggy green since 2019.
While some believe his papers have been marked by coach Justin Langer, Healy says Khawaja could prove invaluable at the top order for Australia with his vast array of attacking shots coming to the fore in his most recent knock.
“Khawaja is up there now,” Healy said on SEN Gold Coast.
“To use the experience of Khawaja … he too has to convince them that his technique outside off is solid.
“He sometimes doesn’t get that front foot going with enough intensity to crash cover drives and off drives.
“I see in the highlights last night that his pull shot is back, I’ve seen him play some stunning innings’ a long time ago where he pulled everything and they just crashed into the boundary.
“That pull shot, he can rock back, play that or a cut … but he needs to drive powerfully, it’s his drive that’s let him down in his last couple of Test stints where he’s knicked a few too many.”
While he’s now 34, Healy says Khawaja has to be Australia’s choice to partner David Warner if Marcus Harris doesn’t find form and Will Pucovski’s deemed unavailable due to health reasons.
“There’s a lot of Shield cricket to be played all through November,” Healy said.
“If he keeps his form up and Marcus Harris doesn’t – that’s who he’s up against really if Pucovski doesn’t come through.
“Victoria and New South Wales haven’t played yet, so they’ve got to get that going.
“But, Khawaja, yep, if his form stays like this, I’m picking him.”
Khawaja enters Day 4 of the clash at the Adelaide Oval on 158 not out with Queensland leading by 242 runs.
South Australia are yet to begin their second innings.