'Roll the dice': Tubby's huge call on Test opener
The chairman of selectors has backed Usman Khawaja to open the batting with David Warner in the first Test against the West Indies in Perth next week.
Trevor Hohns said he is confident Khawaja is the right man for the job, despite his struggles in recent months, and was looking forward to seeing how the veteran batsman performs.
“I think he’s a very good player and I think he’s got the game to open the batting in Test cricket,” Hohns said.
“He’s got a good technique, he’s got a good temperament and he’s got a lot of experience.
“I think he’s the right man for the job.”
Khawaja has been in and out of the Test team in recent years, but he has a strong record when he has played.
In 2019, he scored 1082 runs at an average of 54.10, including four centuries.
However, he has struggled for form in recent months, averaging just 22.85 in his last five Test innings.
Despite his recent struggles, Hohns said he was confident Khawaja would be a success if given the opportunity to open the batting in Perth.
“I think he’s got the game to do it,” Hohns said.
“He’s got the technique, he’s got the temperament and he’s got the experience.
“I think he’s the right man for the job.”
The first Test against the West Indies starts at Perth Stadium on Wednesday, November 30.
