Ashes 2017/18: Usman Khawaja has Booked his South Africa spot - Mike Hussey

Former Australia cricketer Mike Hussey feels Australia’s first drop Usman Khawaja has booked himself a plane ticket to South Africa. Khawaja scored a massive hundred on day three of the fifth Ashes Test in Sydney and proved he can play spin bowling well.

Khawaja was at his best on his way to 171 from 381 balls, to end a 13-month century drought in the Baggy Green.

Khawaja’s poor show before the Syndey Pink Test had raised questions about his long-term future in the team, but his sixth Test century locked down his spot, feels Hussey.

“There’s been a little bit of criticism about him, should he be in the team or should he not, a bit of doubt about his place but he showed his class today and showed that he definitely deserves to be in this Australian team at No.3,” Hussey said to cricket.com.au.

The 42-year old Hussey feels this innings will give Khawaja a major confidence boost.

“This will give him a lot of confidence, a nice way to finish the Test match summer and I have no doubt he will be on that plane to South Africa,” Hussey added.

Khawaja resumed the day on 91 and found the nine runs he needed for his sixth Test century by the eighth over of the morning session.

In Sydney, he went about repairing his damaged reputation against spin bowling by taking down England’s Moeen Ali and Mason Crane.

“I’d love to be playing for Australia in every single Test match, any chance I get. Obviously, it hasn’t gone that way over the last year, but all I can do is go out there and try and score runs for my team and do well in the top order. I like to be playing every single game but can’t look too far ahead either,” Khawaja said at the end of days play.

Khawaja used his feet, played equally well off both front and back foot to England spinners.

“Mason Crane bowled well to him, and Moeen Ali got some spin there and showed a few of the doubters there he actually can play spin. As long as everyone around him backs him in and shows a bit of love to him I’m sure he’ll continue to do so,” Hussey stated further.

Hussey feels Khawaja should bat at no three irrespective of different climates.

“I think he’s in our best six batsmen in Australia. You show faith in a guy like Usman Khawaja, who you know is a classy player; he’ll repay that faith in spades,” Hussey concluded.

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