Khawaja: Pink ball still hard to pick

In-form batsman Usman Khawaja says he still finds the pink ball tough to face despite his latest century in a day-night match.

Khawaja followed up his man-of-the-match display against South Africa in Adelaide with an unbeaten century for Queensland in their day-night Sheffield Shield clash with Western Australia at the WACA Ground.

The Bulls will resume play on day two at 6-333, with Khawaja unbeaten on 147, and Michael Neser on 59.

Khawaja struck 145 in the day-night Test against South Africa in November.

And his unbeaten century against WA has given him the perfect tune-up going into the day-night first Test against Pakistan in Brisbane, starting on December 15.

But the 29-year-old says the unique challenge of facing the pink ball meant he could take nothing for granted.

“Every time you play the pink ball, it just feels different,” Khawaja said.

“It’s still tough work. I reckon I can see the seam better at night-time. I can’t see the seam at all still during the day.

“Who knows what’s going to happen at the Gabba – it might start hooping around massively and it might be really tough.

“I started off at night in the last Test match, and it was hard work. I feel for the guys who are coming in during that twilight period.”

While Khawaja cashed in at the WACA, Test newcomer Matt Renshaw missed the chance to bulk up on his pink-ball experience.

Renshaw, who made 10 and 34 not out in his Test debut in November, was dismissed for 38 after edging paceman Josh Nicholas through to the wicketkeeper.

Queensland were in trouble at 5-182 as night fell, but Khawaja ensured the visitors ended Monday with the upper hand.