Clarke: Khawaja likely to regain his place

 Sydney - Former Australia captain Michael Clarke has given his backing to batsman Usman Khawaja, saying the number three will probably be recalled to the starting XI for the home Test season.

Khawaja was dropped from the side in Sri Lanka after a string of poor scores, but Clarke feels that the batsman's record in Australia will see him regain his place to face South Africa in November.

Khawaja was the Aussies' best batsman last season, and given the team was generally poor in Sri Lanka, it's not like anyone is keeping him out the side with their own performances.

Clarke said, as quoted by the CA website: "I think they’ll pick Uzzie (Khawaja). I thought he had a magnificent summer in Australia.

"He’s extremely talented and a top fella as well, so he is a big part of their team.

"I think they probably didn’t pick him in Sri Lanka based on conditions, but knowing Uzzie I think he would have learnt a lot in Sri Lanka.

"He would have looked at his game, assessed strengths and weaknesses and he’ll be working hard to make sure next time he gets an opportunity to play in the subcontinent he’s ready.

"I think he’s extremely talented I think he showed the whole world that last summer and I think the selectors will start with him."