'Helluva knock': Usman Khawaja's Ashes support grows after 'carnage'
Usman Khawaja has proven why so many are backing him for an Ashes recall after an outstanding innings for Queensland, despite his teammates falling cheaply in a day of 'carnage'.
Khawaja Sheffield Shield form has been dominant of late, which has sparked a chorus of calls for the 34-year-old to return to the Australian line-up for the Ashes.
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The former opener made headlines this week after hitting back at Ian Chappell after the Aussie great offered a counter-argument and claimed the left-hander was a "good player against mediocre bowling", but England's experienced attack would overwhelm him.
Despite his sly dig at the great, his best response to the criticism could have been out on the pitch and that is exactly what he did.
The inform Ashes hopeful hit 70 in the Bulls' first innings, which lasted 53.1 overs after they were sent in on Wednesday morning.
Khawaja came to the crease with his side reeling at 2-8 after left-arm quick Joel Paris removed opener Bryce Street and Test No.3 Marnus Labuschagne (both ducks) in consecutive deliveries.
He was finally caught at fine leg off Lance Morris - the pick of the WA quicks with 4-21 from 10.4 overs - with Queensland only posting 129 runs.
Khawaja's 70 is another strong score to go with two Shield centuries this season.
Only two other Queenslanders, tailenders Gurinder Sandhu and Mark Steketee, made it to double figures.
Paris (2-19) started the rot with the new ball and was ably backed up by Jhye Richardson (3-38) and Cameron Green (1-25).
The Bulls wobbled to 5-46 at lunch, with Joe Burns (eight) and Matthew Renshaw (nine) among the scalps.
Usman Khawaja out for 70 in Queensland's 129. Next highest score 13. As good an Ashes audition as you'll get on a Gabba green top. https://t.co/cgedCY85h6
— Andrew Wu (@wutube) November 10, 2021
There was nothing ‘flat track bully’ about Usman Khawaja’s 70 out of Queensland’s 129 today. #SheffieldShield
— Adam White (@White_Adam) November 10, 2021
Usman Khawaja had already shown that he’s back to his century-scoring best. Today’s knock at the Gabba is a sign that he’s also in the best form to withstand one of those potential Stuart Broad magical #Ashes spells, even if there haven’t been many on Aussie soil #SheffieldShield
— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) November 10, 2021
Time to take that Baggy Green off the shelf, Usman Khawaja. #Ashes
— Daniel Beswick (@DGBeswick1) November 10, 2021
By gar is that Usman Khawaja test recall music I can hear?
— Loosebuschange Official 💉💉 (@loosebuschange1) November 10, 2021
Queensland all out for 129 at the Gabba.
Usman Khawaja the final wicket to fall for 70. The rest of Queensland's batters collectively scored 9/57.#SheffieldShield #QLDvWA— Nic Savage (@nic_savage1) November 10, 2021
If you are going strictly by who the best five/six batters are in Australia, not sure you can leave Usman Khawaja out of the first Test#Ashes #SheffieldShield
— Andrew McGlashan (@andymcg_cricket) November 10, 2021
Usman Khawaja the only player to provide some resistance on a terrible day for Queensland. 42* off 115 balls on a very green pitch with his team 9/99.
This definitely enhances his claim to be in the Australian Test XI.#Ashes #SheffieldShield— CricBlog ✍ (@cric_blog) November 10, 2021
Usman Khawaja hits back at Ian Chappell
The 34-year-old's knock comes after Chappell offered his thoughts on why he wouldn't recall Khawaja to the team.
The Aussie great offered a counter-argument and claimed the left-hander was a "good player against mediocre bowling", but England's experienced attack would overwhelm him.
Khawaja said the former Test skipper's analysis was "water off a duck's back" but couldn't resist a retort.
"Chappelli's not even the best player in his family," he laughed.
"So if I'm going to take advice, I might take it from his younger brother.
"Who I get along with very well too, GC (Greg Chappell) is a legend.
"Chappelli will have his opinions. As a player you have to concentrate on the things you're good at."
with AAP
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