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Steve Smith, the Australian captain, indicated that Usman Khawaja could find a place in the playing XI for the first Test against Bangladesh, starting on August 27. Smith also backed Khawaja to play a pivotal role in the Ashes series later this year.
Khawaja, 30, hasn't played in the longest format since the Sydney Test against Pakistan in January earlier this year. The southpaw's critics have also questioned his technique against off-spinners, evidenced by the fact that Graeme Swann and Dilruwan Perera have dismissed him five and four times respectively. His struggles against spin also led to the selectors not picking him for any of the four Tests in India.
"I think Usman's going to be a really big player for us this Ashes summer," Smith said prior to the team's departure for the two-Test series in Bangladesh. "He's done incredibly well in Australia over the last couple of years and it would be good for him to (play) some cricket... he's chomping at the bit to get out there and I daresay he'll get his opportunity," he added.
Khawaja wasn't able to make an impact in the intra-squad practice match, scoring seven and one. He could still get valuable time in the middle as Australia are scheduled to play a two-day warm-up game before the first Test in Fatullah. The visitors could also opt for Hilton Cartwright, the all-rounder, with Smith taking the No. 3 position in the batting order.
However, Smith has been very successful at the No. 4 slot, compiling 1807 runs at an average of just over 75. In all likelihood, the Australian captain will continue to bat at his preferred position, with Khawaja taking the crucial one-down slot. "I see Usman as more of a top-order batsman and I don't really have a big issue, whether it's three or four - I won't go lower than that," he noted.
Despite slipping to a 1-2 series defeat in India, Australia gave a good account of themselves in spin-friendly climes. Smith hoped that the experience of playing in India would help them to put up a creditable show in Bangladesh. The last time Australia toured Bangladesh for a Test series was in in 2006 when they won the series 2-0.
"They're [Bangladesh] a very good side in their own conditions and they're going to be very challenging," Smith said. "It will be great for us to get some game time there and play in those conditions, and see what we've learnt from India. Hopefully the guys have learnt a lot, and we're able to take that into this tour and have a really successful one."
(CRICBUZZ)
