Dark clouds may have hung over the Gabba on Sunday but Usman Khawaja could see a silver lining as another Test audition slipped through his grasp.
Not sighted since his one-day international debut on January 11, Khawaja had hoped to provide national selectors a not-so-subtle reminder before the squad for next month’s four-Test tour of India was finalised this week.
However, Queensland’s must-win one-day Gabba clash with Tasmania was washed out without a ball being bowled as ex-tropical cyclone Oswald caused heavy showers in south-east Queensland.
But Khawaja, 26, refused to let it dampen his enthusiasm as he prepared for one last hurrah before the Test squad announcement – Tuesday’s Prime Minister’s XI one-day clash with the West Indies at Canberra.
Khawaja threatened to become Australian cricket’s forgotten man after being run out for three on ODI debut in the opening clash with Sri Lanka and not being seen in national colours since.
The classy left-handed batsman missed out again on Friday when Aaron Finch was recalled after David Hussey’s axing for the opening two ODIs against the West Indies in Perth.
It was a confusing call after chief selector John Inverarity claimed the one-dayers would be used as a form guide ahead of the upcoming Indian tour.
“It is always disappointing (to miss out). I would have loved to have played both (opening) one-dayers (against Sri Lanka) but I think the selectors had the clear view of playing me in one and Steve Smith the other – that’s just how it is,” Khawaja said on Sunday.
“I have been around the (national) squad a fair bit so I have been able to chat with (coach) Mickey (Arthur) and John Inverarity.
“But I am not sure what is going on before the team comes out for India.”
Chances have been limited and competition for Test spots tough – Khawaja is vying with the likes of Smith, Glenn Maxwell and George Bailey as Australia’s back-up batsman following Mike Hussey’s retirement.
However, Khawaja has still fine-tuned his game for spin as he sweats on an Indian tour call-up.
“I have given it (India) a lot of thought. Spin will be the big challenge for everyone,” he said.
“Spinners always give you an opportunity to score runs.
“As long as you have a gameplan and a way to score runs over there that’s all that matters.”
Bulls coach Darren Lehmann – who stroked 63 and 129 against Muttiah Muralitharan’s Sri Lanka on a “raging turner” at Galle in 2004 – has offered plenty of advice on how to combat spin, as only he can.
“He’s quite funny the way he talks about cricket. You ask him about Galle and he says ‘I couldn’t pick Murali so I tried to slog him’,” Khawaja laughed.
Third-placed Queensland (15pts) and No.4 Tasmania (11) each received two points after the washout – but still have work to do to chip away at competition leaders Victoria (19) and No.2 South Australia (18), which has a game in hand.
