Australia recall Usman Khawaja for Test series against South Africa
Friday 28 October 2016 07:56, UK
Usman Khawaja has been recalled for Australia's Test series with South Africa, days after describing himself as a "scapegoat" and accusing the selectors of being "fickle".
Khawaja, along with opener Joe Burns, was omitted for the third and final Test against Sri Lanka in August - which Australia lost - and the batsman did not hold back with his criticism but, after talks with Darren Lehmann, he has got the nod for the three-Test series, which gets underway next week.
Left-arm seamer Mitchell Starc has recovered from injury and will lead a pace attack that could also include uncapped Joe Mennie, also named in the 12-man squad, despite his modest showing in the 5-0 drubbing by South Africa in a one-day international series earlier this month. Veteran Peter Siddle has also returned while Josh Hazlewood has been retained.
Mennie took 3-131 in two ODIs in South Africa, but chief selector Rod Marsh said the 27-year-old right-arm fast bowler earned a spot for his form in domestic cricket, where he was the leading wicket-taker in the Sheffield Shield last season.
"Joe bowls a great length at a lively pace and his form in first-class cricket has been terrific in the last 12 months," Marsh said.
Shaun Marsh retained his spot in the batting line-up after overcoming a hamstring strain, meaning there was only room in the squad for one more player - Khawaja or Burns.
Khawaja, who has scored four centuries in 17 Tests, earned his way back into the squad with a century in the opening round of the Sheffield Shield competition.
Rod Marsh played down the significance of Khawaja's critical comments, but added: "I wouldn't say it's the smartest thing he's ever said."
The series starts in Perth next Thursday, with the second Test in Hobart. The series will conclude with a day-night Test at the Adelaide Oval starting November 24.
Australia squad: Steve Smith (captain), David Warner (vice-captain), Usman Khawaja, Adam Voges, Shaun Marsh, Mitchell Marsh, Peter Nevill, Joe Mennie, Mitchell Starc, Peter Siddle, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.
