Khawaja stands by a big call

USMAN Khawaja insists he will have no regrets if the first follow-on call of his career costs him the chance to don his baggy green cap at the Gabba next week.

The tussle between

Khawaja and Travis Head for the No. 5 position for next week’s Ashes opener at the Gabba is so tight one big innings always had the potential to sway things.

Queensland captain Khawaja put his team’s cause ahead of his own by enforcing the follow-on against South Australia in the just-completed Sheffield Shield match in Adelaide. That fast-tracked a Queensland victory but gave Head the chance to slap down an impressive 101 in the second innings.

Khawaja promptly put the foot to the floor with a breezy 52 not out off 36 balls but Head’s innings was the headliner.

“I was just trying to win the game,’’ Khawaja said after landing back in Brisbane on Monday. “I have said it a million times – I am not playing games for Queensland thinking of the next level. All those things are irrelevant. I am just thinking about trying to make the best calls.

“There was a lot of moisture in the wicket and it was spinning massively. I knew the wicket was only going to get better. I am normally a very reluctant ‘follow-on-eror’. It is the first time I have ever done it. I have had opportunities before – plenty of them.

“Trav batted really well. I gave credit to him afterwards and even when he scored it.

“I thought it was a really good hundred. He’s a very good player. It does not bother me who they (the Test selectors) pick. It was about winning the game.’’

Khawaja has not received any word on who is the favourite for the hotly contested Test spot.

“I don’t know. I am preparing as if I am playing which I think you have to. If I am not I will cross the other bridge. Either way I will be playing cricket so it is not too much for me to think about.’’