Usman Khawaja has more than earned his spot in the third Test.
That’s what former Australian Test and ODI bowler Jason Krejza told us on Roar LIVE this morning as the panel took on the selection dilemmas facing the side.
The spinner who famously took 12 wickets on debut in India said that Khawaja was “unlucky from the beginning” and “someone that deserves to be there”.
“He’s in form, he’s been one of Australia’s best batsmen over the past year, I don’t know why you wouldn’t pick him,” Krejza said.
Khawaja has scored a half-century or better in his past five Test matches and was controversially snubbed for the struggling Shaun Marsh.
It’s believed the selectors favoured Shaun Marsh’s ability to play spin on the subcontinent over Khawaja’s red-hot form.
He’s up against a couple of other possible contenders.
Glenn Maxwell’s ability to change the face of a game in an hour is a tantalising prospect for selectors, while Marcus Stonis has been flown over as a possible replacement.
He’s been struggling at Shield level this season with an average of 18, but his outstanding ODI form has rocketed him into contention.
With the crucial third Test starting tomorrow and the pitch looking like a minefield, the selector’s decision could prove telling.
WATCH the clip in the player above, and let us know in the comments who you think should replace Mitch Marsh in the third Test.
Ross
Guest
Agreed, get Khawaja in at 3
CoverPoint
Guest
Maxwell should not be gambled with. They have to go with form. We have seen the importance of form recently with selections like Ferguson not paying off while Renshaw has been very successful after being selected on form.
CoverPoint
Guest
Mitch Marsh is a mysterious phenomenon to many of us and one that I am sure will continue to baffle people in the future. His inclusion for this series came not only with a poor overall average but also a long run of poor form and an injury cloud. Completely senseless!
Omega10
Roar Rookie
Surely future historians of the game will wonder why a batsman averaging nearly 48 in Test cricket and in the prime of his career was dropped for this series and someone completely out of his depth like Mitch Marsh was selected. It's a scandal. Usman is holding the line but he must be miffed.
Tanmoy Kar
Guest
As the Ranchi wicket looks like would be bowling friendly, Australia should strengthen their batting line-up by playing Khawaja at No.3 and S. Marsh at No.5 or 6. Four bowlers would be good enough for the Test.
Ron
Guest
Agree with jason, Khawaja should never have been dropped and deserves to play, we need to make our batting stronger
Smiggle Jiggle
Roar Guru
Considering the wicket will be spinning, Maxxi will be in.