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."