Khawaja has not played ODI cricket since February 2013

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Australia have called up batsman Usman Khawaja as a cover for opening batsman David Warner for the second and third ODI against India as the latter is expecting the birth of his second child any day.

Khawaja will link up with the rest of the ODI squad in Brisbane and is likely to play the second and third matches at the Gabba and in Melbourne as Warner is set to go on paternity leave.

“Usman has been in fantastic form this season and was unlucky to miss out on a place in our squad for the Victoria Bitter ODI Series in the first place,” national selector Rod Marsh said. “This call-up is a reward for that form and it is great to have someone of his quality to step into the squad in David’s absence.

“We wish both David and Candice well and look forward to welcoming David back into the squad when circumstances allow.”

Khawaja has been in superb form as of late as he made a century and a half-century during the recent Test series against the West Indies and in the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL), where he represents the Sydney Thunder.