Usman Khawaja has given Australian selectors another timely reminder of his quality in the lead-up to the first Ashes Test, slamming an unbeaten half-century in a Shield win.
With Queensland set 88 to win against South Australia, Khawaja came in with the score on 2-16 in the 14th over and completely flipped the script.
The left-hander slammed 52 off just 36 deliveries, combining with Test star Marnus Labuschagne for an unbeaten 72-run stand to guide Queensland to an eight-wicket win.
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After wrapping up the points for his Shield side, Khawaja told reporters in attendance “what will be will be” when asked about his Ashes prospects.
Khawaja’s unbeaten half-century continued what was a fascinating game within a game with the player who is in direct competition with him for a spot in Australia’s line-up, Travis Head.
The Queensland skipper forced South Australia to follow on after they were dismissed for just 102 in their first innings, before Head responded with a century.
However, Khawaja’s half-century has thrown a new wrinkle on which player will be Australia’s No.5 for the first Test at the Gabba.
Khawaja last played at the Test level for Australia during the 2019 Ashes series, while Head’s last Test appearance was during last summer’s Boxing Day Test against India.
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