Australia opener Usman Khawaja has backed Marnus Labuschagne to make it to the Aussie playing XI for the upcoming Ashes series to be played against England from November 21 onwards. Recently, Labuschangne
has struggled to be among the runs in Tests. This year, the right-handed batter has played four Tests in which he could score 97 runs in seven innings at an average of 16.16. This year, Labuschagne. During Australia’s tour of West Indies for the Frank-Worrell Trophy 2025, Marnus Labuschange was a part of the squad but didn’t get a chance to be a part of the playing XI.
In the upcoming Ashes series, Australiawill look to deny England a series win on Aussie soil for the fourth time in 15 years and Labuschagne’s experience might play a crucial factor for the home side. Speaking to the media, Khawaja said, "Our best side has Marnus in it. He brings a lot of energy, so hopefully he will be back. He always works hard but now he is choosing when he works hard. He is growing and understanding he doesn’t need to hit four million balls to be ready. It’s just finding a balance. I think our best line-up has Marnus three, [Steve] Smith four and [Travis] Head five." Khawaja was in front of the media prior to Queensland's match against New South Wales at the Gabba.
Usman Khawaja spoke on Matt Renshaw’s decent form
Usman Khawaja also spoke on Matt Renshaw’s decent form with his bat. "I know if Renshaw is picked, that he is in the best space right now to have a crack at Australia again and be ready to score runs. Obviously, I am a little bit biased because he is my opening partner and a friend of mine, but he's been there and done it. He has scored 184 for Australia. He hasn't done himself any harm with the way he has played in the last three matches in the one-dayers [against India]," he remarked.
In his last first-class game for Queensland against Tasmania in Brisbane, the southpaw Renshaw played an exceptional knock of 128. The 29-year-old also looked superb with his bat against India in the final ODI played in Sydney. In the losing cause, he scored 56 off 58.
