Ashes 2017-18: Khawaja sure to book SA series berth, says Michael Hussey

Khawaja dominated the England bowlers all through his innings.

Khawaja scored 171 in Australia's first innings in Sydney. (Getty)

A timely century in the Sydney Test match which enabled Australia to finish Day 3 on a strong position has bore fruits for Usman  Khawaja. According to Michael Hussey, this century has helped Khawaja present a strong case for him to be Australia’s number three for their upcoming tour to South Africa.

“There’s been a little bit of criticism about him, should he be in the team or should he not, a bit of doubt about his place but he showed his class today and showed that he definitely deserves to be in this Australian team at No.3,” It was a great innings, it really was” Hussey told cricket.com.au.

“He hasn’t had that bad a series. There’s been a couple of fifties along the way but he hasn’t been able to go on with it. 

“This will give him a lot of confidence, a nice way to finish the Test match summer and I have no doubt he will be on that plane to South Africa.”

Khawaja started the day on 91 and found the nine runs he needed for Test century No.6 by the eighth over of the morning session. After Khawaja reached his ton, his celebration was worth a watch.

Hussey also kept his voice on Khawaja's prowess against spin during his knock. “Mason Crane bowled well to him and Moeen Ali got some spin there and showed a few of the doubters there he actually can play spin. As long as everyone around him backs him in and shows a bit of love to him I’m sure he’ll continue to do so.”

“He’s had his challenges overseas in certain areas but the more opportunities you give him the better he’s going to get. You show faith in guy like Usman Khawaja, who you know is a classy player, he’ll repay that faith in spades” added Hussy on Khawaja.

"I’d love to be playing for Australia in every single Test match, any chance I get," Khawaja told reporters after play. 

 
 

By Anshuman Roy - 06 Jan, 2018

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