Australia`s head coach, Andrew McDonald, stated that the selectors have received no hints from veteran opening batsman Usman Khawaja regarding his future. The coach also confirmed that the left-hander will be selected for the fifth and final Test match.
Khawaja`s future in the Australian team looks uncertain. There are rumours that the cricketer might take a call in the fifth Test match as Australia won`t be playing another Test match until the Bangladesh series, which is scheduled for August.
Speaking about Khawaja`s future, McDonald said that there are no indications that the cricketer would be making a decision in Sydney.
“We`ve been really clear that we haven`t had a conversation. The speculation has been from the external. He`s with his family at the moment, having a couple of days off. We`ll build in Sydney, and we`re always having conversations with players about where they are and speaking with them directly. And there`s no indication at my end that he`s calling it in Sydney,” he said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
The fifth and the final Test match of the Ashes series is scheduled to be played from January 4 at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Moore Park.
Further speaking, the former cricketer also confirmed Khawaja`s feature in the Sydney clash and said, “He`d be making centre in Sydney.”
“So that`ll be something that we`ll discuss, but his performance in this calendar year has been good enough to warrant selection, so I`d say he`d be there marking centre in Sydney. Our challenge is if any of our great players retire, you want to acknowledge them. But until that point in time when you`re clear on someone`s future, it`s very difficult,” said the 44-year-old former cricketer.
The Aussies have already won the five-match Ashes series with one match yet to be played. Australia is leading the series 3-1, and it will be interesting to see if the “Three Lions” manage to secure a win in the final match.
The side will be looking to end the series on a high note, whereas the Ben Stokes-led England will be playing for pride.
(With ANI Inputs)
