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Khawaja recall debate sharpens ahead of Adelaide Test
Australia face a key selection call over Usman Khawaja as conditions and momentum shape the third Ashes Test in Adelaide.
Australia's selection debate has sharpened ahead of the third Ashes Test in Adelaide, with differing views emerging over Usman Khawaja's role as England fight to keep the series alive.
England trail 2-0 and need a win to stay in contention for the urn.
Captain Ben Stokes criticised his side's Brisbane performance and signalled changes, while Australia are weighing their own decisions as Khawaja pushes to prove his fitness.
Khawaja's possible return presents a dilemma. Travis Head has moved to opener in Perth and built a strong partnership with Jake Weatherald, prompting calls to keep the pair together.
Coach Andrew McDonald has also suggested Khawaja could return in the middle order, a role he has filled previously.
Former opener David Warner believes Khawaja deserves another opportunity at the top.
Warner said injuries were part of the game and noted that Head himself had indicated the opening role ultimately belonged to Khawaja, particularly given Australia's current balance through the middle order.
Former captain Michael Clarke has shifted his stance. While Clarke earlier backed Khawaja's recall, he now favours sticking with a winning formula after Brisbane.
He said he personally would avoid changes but expects selectors to reinstate Khawaja, likely at the top of the order.
Attention has also turned to conditions.
The first images of the Adelaide pitch suggest less grass than Perth and Brisbane four days out. Adelaide's shorter boundaries and lower bounce are seen as more suitable for England's aggressive approach, after struggles on livelier surfaces in the first two Tests.
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