Usman Khawaja has had his chances, now it's time for him to go

How is the humble pie buddy? this article is personal dislike masked under the facade of rational reasoning

Everything you say at the start of this article about Uzzie is correct. I am referring to first few lines. However, I am amazed that you would stick to S.Marsh but happy to see Uzzie dropped. You defended S. Marsh that he gets key runs when needed. Really??? Have you forgotten how he started his debut vs India? Have you forgotten how he played in India? The last test match against S Africa when we really needed someone to stay. I think it's Marsh who has to go if one of these two is going to be dropped. The fact is that both need to stay and both need to step up in away games. I like S Marsh too but I do believe his sur name does him more favor than his batting and Uzzie's first name goes against him more than his batting.

Average of 45 odd

He's currently averaging around 45!

That's a bit unfair to be honest.. Hes currently averaging mid 40s in tests why is he being singled out? I'm sure can use his experience with the state oz cricket is in!

But what has Tim Paine done to be selected as captain? I can not see how he has done anymore than Khawaja has. The only thing that I know is that they've given him far more confidence than what Khawaja's been given. His selection into the Australian side was a shock to everyone. It was a selection of confidence. They throw so much confidence at him, it was even a shock to him to walk into the test side after being out of the game with injury. Khawaja on the other hand, no confidence at all. He's an absolute gun. We saw it in Australia when he played against South Africa and Pakistan. Although the coaches who have thrown in this junk into his head led by the media about him not be able to play spin in the sub continent has totally wrecked his career and confidence. Where's the faith in saying he can't play in the sub continent? Very stupidly the fault of his batting can go onto his national coaches for putting this message into his head that he can play spin in the sub continent. That was something for the media to try and headline and make it a big thing about him. "Khawaja can't play spin" or "Khawaja can't play in the sub continent". That was all for the media to carry on about. It wasn't for his national coaches to go along with it and say "yes he struggles over there (in the sub continent)"

As frustrating as he has been at test level, he is the best available batsman in the country at the moment. He absolutely flays domestic cricket when he is not on international duty, his stats smash the others you mention. Hopefully this is the 12 months he needs to become the batsmen we have seen glimpses of! Let's back him!

He reminds me of David Gower with his relaxed, almost nonchalant style. Somehow, it makes his dismissals more frustrating than some others.

Why would a 22 year old opener be expected to bat at three? If Khawaja opens, it makes more sense to have Burns in the middle order as it better suits his style of play. Funnily enough, Shaun Marsh is probably the closest to matching your criteria, but David Hussey would have loved to have played 30 tests. in First Class cricket, tests excluded, Khawaja averages 43.56 with 16 tons and 31 x 50's from 89 matches, Shaun Marsh ave 42.07 with 18 tons and 35 x 50's from 111 matches. The lesser Hussey averaged 52.50 with 45 tons and 65 x 50's from 195 matches. Neither Khawaja or Marsh should feel too harshly treated. Sadly, they both have, at times, been their own worst enemies.

What about Hughes' first class performances suggest he is more consistent than Travis Head, despite being five years older? I agree that Head needs more consistency but anyone suggesting a 29 year old averaging 38, after 27 matches, should be considered for a test spot is delusional. He made 4 scores over 50 and no tons in his complete shield innings, averaging 41. Surely the baggy green has to be worth more than that? Renshaw, age 22, is a far better investment, (3 scores over 50 and 3 tons from his season, averaging 44 despite an abysmal start) as is Joe Burns, age 28, (3 scores over 50 and 2 tons, averaging 55). For the record, Head made 4 50+ scores and 2 tons, averaging 46. In my opinion, Ferguson and Maxwell should both be ahead of Head, Hughes and Weatherald for test consideration.

The scheduling contributes significantly to poor preparation for important series, so unless selectors adopt a "different players for different format" policy, we can expect more struggles.

I would have Bancroft in the middle order if Burns scores runs as an opener.

Cartwright is only on a early season contract with Middlesex he may get another deal or just come back to Australia.

Somerset must know something we don't when they announced Renshaw to replace Bancroft they said he will return to Australia in July then come back to England around August 19 to complete the County season.

Given the situation right now and having picked up five half centuries and a 171 in his last eight matches, I'd say he will stay in

Pink ball Test vs South Africa in that series at Adelaide.

Wouldn't surprise me to see Stoinis in there ahead of Maxwell.

As I see it, Khawaja is still averaging 40+ in Test cricket which is not something we can afford to ignore. If we're to drop him we have to believe that his replacement will do better than that. I'm not confident that any of the other options will be able to come in and do that for the next 12 months. My pecking order to come into the side is as follows: 1. Maxwell 2. Cartwright 3. Patterson 4. Ferguson At the moment, they're the only guys in domestic cricket who I believe could have immediate success at the highest level. Head, Lehmann, Weatherald, Harris etc. are inconsistent players with loose techniques. They are capable of the occasional quickfire knock that makes them look special but will go missing in between. They all need to tighten up their defence.