Pakistan born Usman Khawaja finds his place in Australia’s Ashes squad
Cricket http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746 faced another set-back before the Boxing Day as Australian vice-captain Michael Clarke is recovering from a sore back.
Clarke’s appearance in the first Test against England on the 25th of November seems to be doubtful as his long-standing back injury forced him not to take part in The Ashes preparations in Brisbane.
The selectors have been frantically looking for other options and they settled upon the http://www.senore.com/Cricket/New-South-Wales-c823 (NSW) and would be acting as a standby
if http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Clarke-c51120 fails to recover in time.
However, Clarke is hopeful about his return as he is “confident” of returning to training sessions scheduled for Tuesday morning. He said that he feels good but has to make a “hundred percent recovery” for Thursday’s showdown.
The Aussie’s physiotherapist http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Alex-Kountouris-c43123 showed immense confidence in Clarke’s recovery but did not rule out a hint of uncertainty that Clarke might not play as his “degenerative” back injury might pose a threat.
Khawaja has been included in the squad as he has consistently performed well in the recent domestic cricket and Sheffield Shield matches according to the national selection panel of Cricket Australia. Andrew Hilditch, the chairman of the selection committee
said that Khawaja would be a very “capable stand in when called upon”.
The uncapped batsman would be flying to Brisbane today as he would expect to join his 13 man squad at the Gabba to train with the high-tech facilities.
Although, the selection panel has showed confidence over Khawaja’s inclusion, he failed to perform his best in the recent game between Australia A and England in Hobart. He scored a 13 and was ducked out at 0 in the match last week.
The other surprise inclusion of Steven Smith in the 13 man squad is now in doubt as Khawaja has been called back as Clarke’s stand by player.
Clarke was seen in the training camp early morning but was restricted to warming up and walking laps.
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