Usman Khawaja, Australia vs India 2018/19
Usman Khawaja says he wishes to bat anywhere in the team for India Tests. Image Courtesy: Getty

The presence of Usman Khawaja for the first Test against India is certainly a blessing for the Australian side. He has been in a top-notch form in the series against Pakistan and willing to deliver the goods against India as well. Meanwhile, the big headache for Cricket Australia has been the batting lineup.

In the recently announced 14-man squad for the first Test, they have got Aaron Finch, Marcus Harris and Usman Khawaja, who can open the innings for the team. Picking two from them is a slightly tough task for the management to address.

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I am happy to bat wherever – Usman Khawaja

Tim Paine backed Aaron Finch at the opening slot, who has been impressive during his maiden Test series. On the other hand, Marcus Harris is an out-and-out opener, who played in the respective role throughout his career beginning. The only option left is Usman Khawaja, whose position has always got shuffled for obvious reasons.

Usman Khawaja, Australia vs India 2018
Aaron Finch with Usman Khawaja. (Credits – Getty)

Usman Khawaja also had a word on Matt Renshaw, who was unfortunate to miss out on a selection. The other notable players to miss out from selections are Marnus Labuschagne and Matthew Wade.

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“I’m happy to bat wherever. I’ve said that to Painey. He (Harris) is obviously an opener. I expect him to open. I’m fine right now. It’s just about playing some cricket now. It’s feeling alright at training.  I’ve done as much as I can at training so hopefully, fingers crossed, it keeps going well. I’ve had a pretty high workload the last two weeks; batted, ran, fielded. Everything is going well thus far,” Usman Khawaja said.

Matthew Renshaw, Australia vs India 2018/19
Matthew Renshaw. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

“I’m sure Renshaw is disappointed but I’m sure he’s going to go out and score lots of runs in Shield cricket this season. I expect him to have a very bright future. I’ve been in their shoes before. Being dropped is never fun. But it’s all a learning experience, it’s all about growth. They’ll grow from the experience,” he added while speaking to Cricket.com.au.

Well, it seems like Usman Khawaja will take a back step from the opening slot when they lock horns with team India. The southpaw can easily fit in the new role, as he always played as per team requirements.

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