It’s been a medium time coming, but the in-form Usman Khawaja will get a berth in Australia’s one day international side against New Zealand in tomorrow’s second match against New Zealand, replacing Shaun Marsh.
Khawaja will open the innings in the place of Marsh, who was out cheaply in the first match of the series, while leg spinner Adam Zampa will make his international debut for Australia, with injured all-rounder James Faulkner out for the rest of the series.
The recall for Khawaja and promotion for Zampa come after Australia’s 159-run loss in the series opener, including an early-innings collapse which gave the Aussies no hope of chasing New Zealand’s competitive score of 307.
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» The Liebke Ratings: New Zealand versus Australia first ODI
» I’m calling ‘stumps’ on this summer of discontent
» How’s this for a Test World Cup idea? (Part 1)
» Selectors should not be commentators
Khawaja has had a golden summer with the bat, barely putting a foot wrong in his appearances in the Test arena for Australia or in the Big Bash League for the Sydney Thunder.
Five hundreds in his last nine games, including T20s, attest to his form, and meant an instant recall was very much on the cards.
Fans have been asking for his return, with our very own David Lord asking the question of what he has to do to force his way into the ODI side, despite only scoring 14 in his one ODI this summer.
23-year-old legspinner Zampa comes in for James Faulkner, who has been ruled out of the rest of the ODI series with injury. It’s unfortunate timing for Faulkner, who looked to be coming into some form after a forgettable Big Bash League.
What do you think Roarers, is this what Australia needs to get back to a winning way against the Kiwis?
Australian XI for second ODI:
Steve Smith (c), Usman Khawaja, David Warner, George Bailey, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Marsh, Matt Wade, John Hastings, Adam Zampa, Kane Richardson, Josh Hazlewood
rasty
Guest
Well, I believe your wish has been granted.
Pom in Oz
Roar Guru
There should be no excuses for Oz this time. They're world champs and should at least put up a fight. Last match was a disgraceful performance. Looking forward to a close contest this time. May the best team win...
VivGilchrist
Guest
Don't compare him to Mark Waugh.
NYCric
Guest
Geoff Marsh, yup!
NYCric
Guest
I cannot wait for the match to begin! Hope Australia gets to bat first so I can watch right after dinner. Go Oz cricket!
CricFan
Guest
correction to the first condition: if >= 50 && < 100 ..public support for next six months :-) ..Rod needs help!
CricFan
Guest
Khawaja's score if >= 50, ..public support for next six months :-) ..Rod needs help! if >= 100, ..public support for a full year! :-) :-) ..fire Rod now!! :-( else ..loses support immediately! :-( ..Rod vindicated :-)
CricFan
Guest
In Poker terms, he'll all in!
Taylorman
Guest
NZ have won 11 of the last 13 at Westpac including the last two vs Oz so ones gotta be confident about this match. There are enough signs in both the bowling and batting lineup to be fairly confident here. Weathers calm but overcast here in Wellington. Looks like a good day ahead.
Taylorman
Guest
Does look as though NZ has the stronger bowling attack and on form, in NZ, batting as well. Pressure will be on Khawaja to 'save' this side and the NZ attack will be wanting to get into his setup early before he gets his eye on the ball. Oz looked under pressure at Eden park as they did last time. For NZ Williamson will need to right his ship and hopefully the form one day batsmen Guptill can continue his career best form. Oz batting lineup can't play worse so I think the winning of this game is what level of turnaround they do make. Exciting matchup ahead.
Don Freo
Guest
Geez, I'd much prefer watching Marsh bat. Perhaps our most elegant bat since Mark Waugh.
VivGilchrist
Guest
I'd rather see a 33 yo Khawaja in the field over a 35yo Marsh with the bat.
Don Freo
Guest
Nah...bugger the World Cup. Let's play 3 years of ODI cricket first...that's about 50 ODI games or more. There will be players still playing district cricket and junior comps that will be in the conversation by then. Can you imagine a 33 year old Ussie in the field in the WC?
Don Freo
Guest
Nah...that's covered. Amith wants him to have the whole series (that's 2 games Am).
Wasted1
Guest
They gave it to Mitch mcclenehugeblackeye (that's as close as I can get to spelling it) for left arm "variety". I was quietly hoping he would be excluded with his injury. . But I suppose his IPL experience will be useful.
Big Steve
Guest
agreed chop. Will be nervous and I hope he goes well.
Existentialist
Guest
i hope it isn't a case of ... damned if you do / damned if you don't (I.e. selecting him given the swaying opinions of writers and readers on numerous forums) anyway aUZZie deserves his chance! go get em' ! caveat: I like to see this as a transition period in preparation for our next World Cup win (where it counts ;) )
spruce moose
Guest
Good heavens, how the hell did Henry not make the squad on those figures?
Targa
Guest
It will interesting to see Khawaja (inform player finally picked) against Matt Henry (inform player controversially not selected for World T20). Henry's last 8 international games.. 5*, 3/41 New Zealand v Australia Auckland 3 Feb 2016 ODI # 3731 2/44 New Zealand v Pakistan Auckland 31 Jan 2016 ODI # 3730 48*, 0/43 New Zealand v Pakistan Wellington 25 Jan 2016 ODI # 3728 1/31, 10 New Zealand v Pakistan Auckland 15 Jan 2016 T20I # 478 3/44 New Zealand v Sri Lanka Mount Maunganui 7 Jan 2016 T20I # 474 5/40 New Zealand v Sri Lanka Mount Maunganui 5 Jan 2016 ODI # 3721 - New Zealand v Sri Lanka Nelson 2 Jan 2016 ODI # 3718 4/33 New Zealand v Sri Lanka Christchurch 28 Dec 2015 ODI # 3715 4/49 New Zealand v Sri Lanka Christchurch 26 Dec 2015 ODI # 3714
Chop
Roar Guru
Oh man, this really is a no win situation for Khawaja. If he scores runs it's 'Well that's his job' if he fails the same people that screamed for his inclusion will be screaming for his exile as loudly as they did his inclusion. I really think he'd have been better off playing in the shield game at this stage.