Plot thickens in Ashes’ grip ping batting battle
USMAN Khawaja insists he would have “no issue” if Travis Head were to win the nailbiting race for the final spot in the Ashes batting order.
Both men are vying to bat at No.5 against England this summer and both had their last chances to impress selectors at first-class level in Queensland’s Sheffield Shield match with South Australia this week.
Head affirmed his Test credentials by stroking his way to a classy century on day three for South Australia.
But, on the last day, and with Queensland needing 83 runs for an outright victory, skipper Khawaja belted 10 boundaries on his way to a half-century from just 35 deliveries.
With both Head and Khawaja putting forward compelling cases, Australia’s selectors have an agonising call to make for the first Ashes Test, which begins on December 9.
But Khawaja said he hadn’t even entertained the thought of breaking his two-year Test drought and insisted there would be no bad blood if Head pipped him to the post.
“I’m going to be 100 per cent honest, it’s not even on my mind right now,’’ Khawaja said at stumps on the final day.
“I’m honestly just trying to win the game for Queensland and whatever will be, will be.
“Heady deserves it as much as I do. I’m really good mates with him. I’ve got no issue with whatever happens. I’m sure the selectors will do their thing and we’ll go from there.”
Khawaja said he owed it to himself not to become preoccupied with his future in the baggy green.
“I’ve just come to realise after a long time and a lot of work with myself and my mind and being introspective and just learning about myself, that (focusing on playing Test cricket) just doesn’t help,” he said.
“I know I play best when I’m relaxed.’’