Khawaja’s credentials can’t be ignored: Simon Katich

Australia’s batsman Usman Khawaja en route his 137 on Thursday; (right) Simon Katich Pic/AFP

Former Test opener Simon Katich has said that Cricket Australia (CA) cannot ignore the credentials of Usman Khawaja for the fifth and final Ashes Test in Hobart after the batsman scored a patient 137 in the first innings of the fourth Test here on Thursday.

Khawaja was included in the Test side after more than two years of playing Shield cricket when Travis Head tested positive for COVID-19 following the Boxing Day Test. Head too was in sublime form, smashing a century in the opening Test at The Gabba, before he was omitted from the side after the third Test in Melbourne.

Khawaja scored his ninth Test ton and second against England before being dismissed for 137 on Thursday. He last played a Test in 2019. Katich feels Khawaja should be considered for the Hobart Test as well as the upcoming tour of Pakistan in March-April. "He's definitely in the four best batsmen of Australia," Katich said to 1170 SEN Breakfast. "His Test average suggests that. He averages over 40. Given the way he got the hundred yesterday [Thursday], he has to stay in the team."

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