Usman Khawaja reveals who he would want to open with in Test Cricket

Ahead of the upcoming Test series, Steven Smith, one of the greatest Australian batters in red-ball cricket, is set to return to his original batting spot in Test cricket. As per reports, Cricket Australia is looking to give Smith his original place while Usman Khawaja will continue to open and Marnus Laguschagne will bat at number three. However, another opening spot is still vacant, and reports suggest that Travis Head might get that place. Khawaja opined about this ongoing discussion and said that he would 'lean' towards Head as an opener. 

"At the end of the day, it’s a decision for the selectors. But if you have me opening, Labuschagne three, Smith four. I feel like Travis Head might be best suited. He’s obviously been very successful opening the batting in one-day cricket and, breaking it down, I’d probably lean towards him. But again, it’s not my decision," Khawaja opined in the same interaction," said Usman Khawaja as quoted by Fox Cricket.

Travis Head is currently opening for Australia in the limited overs Cricket and has successfully displayed his prowess. Whether it's ODIs or T20Is, Head has been consistent in scoring runs, helping his team win important matches and series. Even in the ODI World Cup 2023, he scored a century in the final against India, leading Australia to victory. Hence, the Board will give him a chance to open in the upcoming Test series, which will give them a clarity about the situation. 

Also Watch: Travis Head pummels Sam Curran for 30 runs

His best spot has been number four: Usman Khawaja

Usman Khawaja also spoke about giving the number four position to Steven Smith in the upcoming series. The veteran left-hander trusts his teammate and has seen his efforts from the start. Hence, he praised Smith and said he's 'the best Test player of my era.' Interestingly, no one can deny the fact that Smith is indeed one of the best Test batters of this era. 

"He’ll just probably never say it. So I’ll say it for him. Opening is a very important spot … (but) I still think we have the best Test player of my era in the side, in Steve Smith, and his best spot has been number four. I feel like that’s his best spot. I feel like the best balance for our team is (Marnus) Labuschagne three, Smith four," Khawaja told Fox Cricket.

Also Read: How has Steve Smith performed at number 4 spot