Usman Khawaja's domestic form has earned him a stunning recall to Australia's Test squad for the first time in two years.
The 15-man squad for the upcoming Ashes was announced on Thursday morning for the first two tests in Brisbane and Adelaide.
The 2021-22 Ashes series is scheduled to start at the Gabba in Brisbane on December 8.
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Usman Khawaja is on the cusp of a Test recall after being included in Australia’s 15-man squad alongside Travis Head, @robforsaith reports.
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Khawaja scored a mammoth hundred earlier in Sheffield Shield season, which stood out in that match. His knock of 174 rescued Queensland in a drawn match against South Australia.
That was immediately backed up by another hundred against Tasmania, which steered Queensland to a 96-run victory. More recently against Western Australia, his 70 runs were the sole standout in a poor first-innings performance which saw Queensland bowled out for 129.
His scores were against all-comers and in all conditions, which proved he is in truly stellar form.
Did Khawaja deserve a recall?
Khawaja could not have complied a more compelling case for being included in the squad, given his stack of runs have taken him to the top of the run-scoring charts in the Sheffield Shield.
He has played 44 Test matches and was a mainstay of the 2017-18 Ashes. He has a Test average of 40.66 and would add a steady mental frame in the middle order alongside Cameron Green, given his extensive international experience. Although, the last time he donned the baggy green was in the 2019 Ashes series.
The selectors have seemingly opted for a formula which is hoping to imminently translate Khawaja's Shield form into an imminent victory. Importantly they have upheld the integrity of the Sheffield Shield by rewarding a player who is in red-hot form.
His domestic form has dampened the argument that he may be too old for the side. Khawaja will turn 35 in a month.
With Cameron Green (21) and Will Pucovski (23) both being long term red-ball prospects, Khawaja's "twilight years" may aid in transitioning the side to a younger crop. If he plays and fails in this series then there's an easy fix - Travis Head (27) will be waiting in the wings.
However, Khawaja played the bulk of Australia's Tests between 2015 and 2019 for the return of just eight centuries. His career average against England is just 29.85 from 12 matches, and is offset by a standalone score of 171 in 2018.
Former Australian captain Ian Chappell has been outspoken in his criticism of Khawaja last week, questioning his potential recall.
"I'm not convinced that Khawaja is a good enough player," Chappell said to Nine's Wide World of Sports.
"Khawaja's a good player against mediocre bowling, but against good bowling I don't think there's much future there."
Other players who are currently in the Australia A squad and vying for batting spots include Matt Renshaw and Henry Hunt, as well as Nic Maddison - who has an average of 83.33 from just two outings this summer. And Mitch Marsh has re-entered the frame with his terrific form - albeit in white-ball cricket.
Where will Khawaja bat?
With Marcus Harris retaining his spot in the side, Khawaja is poised for a battle with Travis Head at No.5. Khawaja has been batting at No.4 for Queensland in the Shield recently.
That was a cleverly crafted move, perhaps in anticipation for a battle in the middle order.
"With Marcus Harris being in the team he's probably the frontline opener if I'm looking at that side myself," Khawaja said speaking to the ABC.
"But there's an opportunity in the middle order and that's probably where it's at. Whether I play or not will depend on what way the selectors go."
Matthew Wade had already effectively lost his spot in the side, having not been picked in the squad that never toured South Africa in February. Travis Head was due to depart on that tour in the middle-order.
