Shield matches key for Test contenders

AUSTRALIAN selectors have turned this weekend’s round of Sheffield Shield matches into a shootout for Test spots confident they’ll be armed with enough evidence to pick the best XI.

Despite a fifth round of Shield games finishing six days before the opening Test against India in Adelaide, the team will be named well beforehand to cater for logistical issues.

That puts a premium on runs now for the likes of incumbent Travis Head and would- be opener Matthew Renshaw with challengers continuing to come.

Fitness concerns over Usman Khawaja, who led all scorers in the Test series loss against Pakistan last month are yet to be fully put to bed too.

Khawaja completed his first running set after knee surgery in Brisbane on Monday, posting a video of his effort on social media.

“Still not perfect but got a lot better by the end of the session,” he said.

If fit, Khawaja will either open the batting with Aaron Finch or slot in at No. 3 depending potentially on whether Renshaw finds some Shield form.

Renshaw, who was sidelined with concussion issues in the United Arab Emirates, is not the lock to return to the Test team many consider him to be and Khawaja proved a major success opening against Pakistan.

Khawaja could however have to prove his fitness in a club game, or a second XI game for Queensland, given he’ll miss this week’s Shield clash.

It’s unlikely Marnus Labuschagne, who bowled better than he batted after a surprise Test call- up against Pakistan, will hold on to his spot.