Usman Khawaja, Matt Renshaw have a Chance to Open in Tests - Simon Katich

It has been a roller-coaster ride for Usman Khawaja in international cricket. At once, he was expected to carry Australia’s significant number burden. Later, he found it difficult to find a place in the team itself. Meanwhile, Simon Katich is planning a promotion for Khawaja in the batting order for the Quadrangular series.

With David Warner and Joe Burns out of the game, one can find Usman Khawaja batting at the opening slot. Simon Katich also had a word on the other lefty Matthew Renshaw as well.

Matt Renshaw scored a lot of County runs – Simon Katich

Alongside Usman Khawaja, the former Australian batsman felt Matt Renshaw has a good chance for an opening as well. He added Renshaw is scoring runs on a regular basis to grab the opening position.

Speaking of Usman Khawaja, Simon Katich quoted Australia requires an experienced campaigner at the top of the order.

Usman used to bat at number three which can help him to adapt quickly. Back then, Usman Khawaja started his career as an opener.

“I think they need some seniority at the top of the order and given he (Khawaja) has batted at three it might actually suit him to get out there and get into it straight away. He is an opener from way back when he first started playing club cricket,” Katich said on SEN’s Whateley program.

“The one positive for me recently is that Matt Renshaw made a lot of County runs in England, which is a great sign for a young player. He’ll definitely get a look-in at the start of the Australian summer if he can back it up with some Shield runs and potentially some runs on this A tour. I think he’s done a fair bit since he’s been dropped so in terms of runs on the board you can’t fault,” he added.

Glenn Maxwell is in the scheme of things – Simon Katich

He ended his interview with a positive word about the flamboyant Glenn Maxwell.

The right-handed aggressive batsman was always in and out of the team. However, Katich feels Maxwell still has chances to make it to the Test squad if he knocks runs in the coming domestic tourneys.

“I think he needs to get some runs on the board at the start of the season and particularly if he wants to grab an opportunity in this Test team. He’s sort of been in and out and done well in the subcontinent at times but he hasn’t really had a good run at it at home in Australia. That’s probably what most guys need to find their feet at Test level, to play in conditions that they have done in many years in domestic cricket,” Katich inferred.

However, Australia A tour of India will probably declare the players’ chances to make it to the Test squad against Pakistan later this year. With a lot of spots being vacant, this would be the best chance for youngsters to cut the slice.