Khawaja flourishes in Test try-out

ANY lingering doubts over Usman Khawaja as Australia’s Test No.3 for the Ashes have been dismissed after the Queensland captain’s lone hand in the top-of-the-table Sheffield Shield clash with NSW in Brisbane yesterday.

Khawaja’s unbeaten 78 was the shining light for a Queensland side bowled out for 183 by a NSW attack without rested Test stars Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins.

Under-pressure Test opener Matt Renshaw was among Bulls to struggle on the demanding Allan Border Field deck, caught behind for 16.

Stumps were called with NSW 3-83 in reply after Blues captain Steve Smith was caught at bat-pad for 44 off Jack Wildermuth (2-13) with five balls left for the day.

Khawaja looks primed for the first Test. “I am feeling good, things are going well but I know how quickly it can change,” he said. “You can’t think too far ahead.”