Ahead of the second Test match of the Ashes series against England, Australia`s Usman Khawaja is still not fully fit, with just three days to the clash.
While skipper Pat Cummins made steady progress from his lower back injury, Khawaja was the centre of attention in the nets, and the medical staff also monitored a fitness Test.
Cummins bowled two spells during the net session and has also batted over the past two days. However, he has not been included in the squad for the second game, with an aim of him making an appearance in the third Test match.
Speaking about the left-handed opening batsman, Marnus Labuschagne, heaped praise on Khawaja by labelling him as a “high-quality” player.
“Usman`s a high-quality player. You look at his record … what he`s done for Australian cricket, especially since he`s come back, he`s been super consistent, he`s been really the rock of at the top there,” he told reporters, as quoted from cricket.com.au.
“There`s been a lot of talk about how many opening partners he`s had over his time,” added the 31-year-old cricketer.
Labuschagne did not express his opinion on whether Khawaja should be picked for the second Test match or not. He said that Australia`s think tank will decide on it.
“I`m not a selector and whatever happens is all up to people above my pay grade and what they think is the best way for us to win the game and win this series,” said the right-handed batsman.
“It`s just game by game, and you work out what`s your best team and how does it best work for the game,” he added.
Despite this, Khawaja`s experience remains highly valued. He is Australia`s leading Test run-scorer since his comeback four years ago and is the only player in the current squad to have featured in all three of the Gabba`s previous pink-ball Tests.
The Aussies are leading the five-match Ashes series by 1-0 with the win in the first match at the Optus Stadium in Perth. The second Test match of the Ashes series is scheduled to be played at The Gabba in Brisbane from December 4.
(With ANI Inputs)
