Usman Khawaja has taken another significant step towards ending his Test exile with yet another impressive Sheffield Shield knock for Queensland.
The classy left-hander scored centuries in consecutive Shield games to rocket back into contention for the Australian team ahead of the Ashes.
Today he produced an innings that didn’t reach triple figures, but was just as important for the Bulls.
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Western Australia’s quality pace bowling attack ripped through the Queensland line-up on a green top wicket at the Gabba, where the first Ashes Test is due to start on December 8.
At one point Queensland was 7-56, with Khawaja playing a lone hand as his teammates crumbled around him.
Commentators were certain the home side would be rolled for less than 80, but made it to 129 thanks to the 34-year-old skipper, who was the last wicket of the innings, caught out for 70 off 138 balls when he was chasing quick runs.
It follows knocks of 119 against Tasmania, and 174 against South Australia.
Despite those big scores, cricket legend Ian Chappell ruled a line through Australia picking Khawaja for the Ashes.
“I’m not convinced that Khawaja is a good enough player,” Chappell told Wide World of Sports exclusively.
“Khawaja’s a good player against mediocre bowling, but against good bowling I don’t think there’s much future there.”
Wednesday’s innings may change the mind of Khawaja’s doubters given it was against a quality seam attack on a lively wicket, and the same wicket on which Australia will face England in a month’s time.
Khawaja averages 40.66 in 44 Tests for Australia. He hasn’t worn the baggy green since being dropped midway through the 2019 Ashes tour.
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