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Khawaja and Harris post 50s in Ashes shoot-out

30th August, 2019
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30th August, 2019
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Australia’s selection puzzle for the fourth Ashes Test got no simpler overnight as both Marcus Harris and Usman Khawaja made half centuries in the tour match against Derbyshire.

One of Harris, Khawaja or Matthew Wade looks set to give way for returning star Steve Smith in the Test at Old Trafford.

The fact Cameron Bancroft, who opened in the first two Ashes Tests, was demoted to number six against Derbyshire gives the impression the selectors may be weighing up Harris versus Khawaja as David Warner’s opening partner.

That pair opened together in this match in Derby, with Harris bolting out of the blocks, scoring 64 out of their opening stand of 106. The Victorian unfurled his full array of strokes, climbing into anything wide and clouting overpitched offerings.

Khawaja could not match this pace of scoring but underscored his comfort when opening the batting as he scored 72 from 156 balls. Australia need, first and foremost, an opener who can halt the momentum of the home quicks. Blanketing the new ball is a priority.

Khawaja has a wonderful record as a Test opener, with 488 runs at 98. He looms as an attractive option to partner Warner at Manchester if the Australian selectors decide to bat Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith at three and four.

Labuschagne and Smith last night batted at seven and four, respectively. Neither man, though, is in the slightest doubt to play in the fourth Test.

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Australia’s biggest issue will be trying to find a top order combination that can, at a minimum, offer resistance to the skilful England quicks. The visitors’ top three has been bulldozed thus far. Locating the right balance up top could be the difference between winning or losing the Ashes.

Khawaja has had a poor series, but does have experience and a fine opening record. Harris is fresh from one of the finest Sheffield Shield seasons of the past decade. Neither batsman pressed their case as Australia ever-so-narrowly lost the third Test, leaving the series squared at 1-1.

The same goes for Wade, who has one crucial century to go with five underwhelming knocks in this Ashes. The former wicketkeeper missed a chance to nail down his Test spot last night as he was out for 12.

Wade’s dismissal came soon after all-rounder Mitchell Marsh cantered to 74 from 188 balls. Something of a tour match specialist, Marsh may yet make a late run for selection in the fourth Test. The selectors have long been seduced by the extra pace bowling option that he offers.

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Most likely, though, Harris, Khawaja and Wade will engage in a second innings shootout, should they get that opportunity. That trio have been disappointing in this Ashes averaging 13, 20 and 25, respectively.

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Meanwhile, express quick Mitchell Starc should today get a final chance to demand selection at Manchester. Thus far, Australia have concentrated on accuracy, favouring precise quicks. It is a strategy that brought them within a skerrick of a 2-0 lead.

If Australia’s selectors keep faith in this tactic, then Starc’s 3/46 against Derbyshire won’t have made a major impression. Starc went wicketless in his first 12 overs, while bowling against Derbyshire’s top six before running through their lower order, grabbing three wickets in one over.

Peter Siddle, meanwhile, took his only wicket late in that innings. His value, however, is his economy and the pressure he builds with his suffocating accuracy. By taking 1/12 from nine overs Siddle once again highlighted the valuable role he can play in an otherwise dynamic Australian attack.

Siddle, Starc, Harris, Khawaja and Wade all are in the mix for the Old Trafford Test. Which of them will make the cut? We will soon find out.

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