ORIGIN NOT ON BARBA’S AGENDA
AUSTRALIA’S selectors are seeking reassurance Usman Khawaja is ready for the mental challenges of a Test match after his brother was charged over a fake terror plot.
Khawaja’s brother Arsalan was charged in Sydney yesterday over the discovery of a fake terror plot to kill senior politicians.
It has been alleged he created the plot to “set up’’ a work colleague when the two were feuding over a woman.
News of Arsalan’s arrest broke when the Australians were training at the Adelaide Oval and coach Justin Langer, himself a selector, has been asked to speak to Khawaja on behalf of the panel.
The Australian selectors are concerned for Khawaja’s wellbeing, given his natural concern for his brother, and are also keen to ensure the incident would not prove a distraction to his Test match campaign.
There has been no suggestion Khawaja will not play the Test match but the chastening news of the incident is an untimely burden for him to carry in Test week.
Khawaja is Australia’s best batsman and is likely to bat No. 3 in the Test.
“It’s a matter for the police to deal with,’’ Khawaja said of his brother’s arrest after Australian training yesterday. “Out of respect for the process it’d be inappropriate for me to make any further comments. I just ask you to please respect my privacy and my family’s privacy during this time.’’
Australia trained under the eye of Test selector Greg Chappell, former captain Steve Waugh and John Bertrand, the distinguished captain of Australia II, the boat that famously ended America’s 132- year stranglehold on the America’s Cup.
Bertrand believes Langer has the character to lead Australia out of the troubled world that engulfed it after the ball- tampering saga in South Africa.
“I was impressed with Bertrand said.
“His natural leadership style Justin,’’ is very empowering for people and I sense he will do very well. “He is a listener. “We have been in contact quite a while.
“People will hind him.’’
Indications are the match strip should be sound for batting, as Adelaide strips generally are.
Bowlers from both sides face an extreme test of their endurance with the four Test series to be played in just over a month. naturally get for be-