Khawaja hails Labuschagne’s return with big statement

Veteran opener Usman Khawaja believes Australia’s Test team is at its strongest when the right-hand batter bats at No. 3, after the side named a 15-member squad for the upcoming Ashes series opener against England in Perth later this month.

The squad announcement marked Labuschagne’s return to the Test fold following a prolific domestic season for Queensland, where he piled up runs at will. His recall comes on the back of outstanding form in the Sheffield Shield.

Khawaja, who has shared a long-standing partnership with Labuschagne, believes the team looks most balanced when the right-hander occupies that role.

“Obviously my personal opinion, but I think our best team is always when Marnus is scoring runs at No. 3,” Khawaja said to Fox Cricket.

“I think of it as an opposition player. I put myself out of the Australian cricket team and I think, ‘Well, if I was the English captain, what team wouldn’t I want?’ And it’s always when you have Marnus scoring runs at three, (Steve) Smith four, and (Travis) Head five.

“At the moment, that’s our best side.”

Labuschagne’s Test record speaks for itself with each of his 11 centuries has come while batting at No. 3, a position that has often been the backbone of Australia’s batting order in recent years.

His domestic dominance this season further strengthens that case, having scored five hundreds for Queensland, all coming at one drop.

While Labuschagne’s return headlines the squad, Jake Weatherald’s inclusion is another notable talking point. The 31-year-old opener has earned a maiden call-up after a sensational Shield campaign for Tasmania, where he amassed 906 runs in 18 innings.

With Sam Konstas omitted from the squad, Weatherald now finds himself in contention to partner Khawaja at the top of the order. Khawaja, who has faced Weatherald numerous times in domestic cricket, was full of praise for the left-hander’s attacking style.

“He’s been knocking the door down,” Khawaja said.

“I’ve played a lot of cricket against him ... he’s a terrific player.

“When he is playing well, he’s a guy who knows how to keep the momentum going and score runs.”

Alongside Weatherald, the hosts have also included two uncapped players in Sean Abbott and Brendan Doggett.

Khawaja himself, who turns 39 next month, continues to field questions about his future in the Test arena. For now, his focus remains on performance and helping Australia retain the Ashes.

“At the end of the day, I want to go out there, score runs, and win games for Australia, and win the Ashes for Australia,” he said.

“Hopefully we’ll do that. And when that happens, we’ll see where everything’s at.”

Australia and England will lock horns in the first Ashes Test starting November 21 in Perth.