Khawaja deputy material

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 em- phatic century has virtually cemented his place as an opener or No.3.

But Agar’s unexpected omission from Australia A’s first hitout in Bangalore has reinforced the selectors’ position that they consider Victorian Jon Holland 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 selectors of his credentials as an out-and-out bowler, not just an all-round contributor.

Queenslander Marnus Labuschangne is the other player giving Trevor Hohns’s 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 Queensland skipper might now come into the frame as a Tim Paine deputy.

With Steve Smith and David Warner gone for a year, Khawaja’s breakthrough performance in the subcontinent is a major boost for Australia, hoping this trying period might bring out the best in the enigmatic star, who has also dropped 7kg from in anticipation of the Pakistan series.