Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has expressed his surprise at the selection of Usman Khawaja and Travis Head for the first two Tests of the upcoming Ashes 2021-22 series against England at home.
Both Khawaja and Head have been recalled to Australia’s 15-member squad and Ponting feels the selectors made the right decision.
The legendary batter was particularly delighted with Khawaja's selection in the Test squad. Now, Khawaja and Head will fight for the middle-order spot vacated by Matthew Wade in Australia’s playing XI against England.
Notably, the high-profile Ashes series will kick start with the first Test on December 8 in Brisbane followed by the second Test in Adelaide on December 16. The third and fourth Tests will be played on December 26 and January 5, respectively, with the final to be played on January 14 in Perth.
As reported by cricket.com.au, Ponting stated: “I was actually a bit surprised that they named the two (Khawaja and Head). If they haven't made a decision on it yet, I'm not sure how much clearer it's going to get over the next period of time.”
He concluded, “I'm rapt for Khawaja. I've been on record a few times that even when he got left out, I still felt he was in Australia's top six batters. Just reading between the lines, it would seem strange to go back to someone like him and not play him.”
Read Also: ASHES 2021-22: Usman Khawaja recalled as Australia name squad for first two Ashes Tests
Apart from Khawaja, who has played 44 Tests for Australia, the upcoming Ashes 2021-22 will also see Jhye Richardson's return to the Test side. Notably, Khawaja last played for Australia in Tests during the 2019 Ashes series in England.
Australia squad for first 2 Tests:
Tim Paine (c), Pat Cummins (VC), Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Jhye Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner
(With ANI Inputs)
