Khawaja puts hand up for leading role

USMAN Khawaja has announced himself as a Test vicecaptaincy candidate, but Ashton Agar has received a sobering reminder of his tenuous place in the Australian set- up.

Selectors have made it clear they will pick their Test squad for October’s tour against Pakistan in the UAE based on performances from Australia A’s two four- day games against India A, and Khawaja’s emphatic century has virtually ce- mented his place as an opener or No. 3.

But on the other side of the coin, Agar’s unexpected omission from Australia A’s first hit- out in Bangalore has reinforced the selectors’ position that they consider Victorian Jon Holland to be their No. 2 spinner.

Holland was picked as the A team’s only spinner on Sunday night, and although Agar is still likely to make the Test squad to face Pakistan, he must find a way to convince se- lectors of his credentials as an out- and- out bowler, not just an all- round contributor.

Unheralded Queenslander Marnus Labuschangne is the other player giving Trevor Hohns and Justin Langer’s selection panel food for thought.

If the A tour is a selection trial, then South African- born Labuschangne has thrown his hat in the ring with an impressive 60 made in partnership with Khawaja to go with a half century in one of the one- day matches.

Khawaja’s name has scarcely come up in public debate about Australia’s new- look leadership structure, but the quality of his 127 not out against India A with wickets falling around him and the ball reversing might prompt a change in that conversation.

Selectors first needed to know Khawaja could hold his place in the spinning conditions that have so troubled him in the past, but if that’s now decided, then the 31- year- old experienced Queensland skipper might now come into the frame for his credentials as a Tim Paine deputy.

With Steve Smith and David Warner gone for 12 months, Khawaja’s breakthrough performance in the subcontinent is a major boost for Australia, who are hoping this trying period might bring out the best in the enigmatic star.

“I’ve worked pretty hard over the last three or four years for subcontinent conditions, or wickets that are turning,” Khawaja said.