Usman Khawaja (right) and Ashton Agar will feature in the first Test against Bangladesh
Image courtesy of: Zimbio
Australia captain Steve Smith has confirmed that batsman Usman Khawaja and all-rounder Ashton Agar will make their comebacks in the first Test against Bangladesh.
Khawaja was overlooked during Australia’s last Test assignment in India earlier this year as Shaun Marsh was given the nod over him.
However, with Marsh unable to make the most of his opportunities as he averaged just 18.87 with the bat in four Tests, he was axed from the squad.
Khawaja now has a chance to prove his worth and cement his place in the side, but questions remain about his form in the subcontinent as in 15 first-class innings, he has only surpassed 50 on one occasion, which came during a tour match Colombo in 2011, where he scored an unbeaten 101.
It remains to be seen how Khawaja will fare in Bangladesh, but Smith insisted that the 30-year-old has worked hard to ensure he will be ready for the challenges that await him.
“I think he’s a player who has worked very hard on playing against spin,” Smith was quoted as saying by The Roar. “I know he didn’t get an opportunity in India, but he spent a lot of time in the nets working on lots of things and finding different ways to play and I’m sure that’ll hold him in good stead for this series as well.
“He’s worked hard in the nets the last week and hopefully we can see him have a big impact in this series.”
Agar, meanwhile, has not played Test cricket since the 2013 Ashes series against England.
In that series, Agar took two wickets and stunned the crowd at Nottingham in the first Test by scoring an impressive 98.
Given that Agar has transformed himself into more of an all-rounder in the four years he has been out of the national team, Smith admitted that he deserves another chance to shine in the longest format.
“Ashton Agar (is) back into the fold after four years out,” he said. “I think he’s come a long way over the last year particularly.
“He’s been bowling very well in the nets. His lengths have been exceptional so if he can get those right in the game I’m sure he’ll have a big impact for us.”
All-rounder Glenn Maxwell will occupy the No.6 spot that has been up for grabs as of late, but Smith pointed out that the 28-year-old will only play a limited role with the ball.
“I know I copped a little bit of criticism for not using him (Maxwell) as much in the India series but again, you’ve got two quality spinners and they’re there to do a job,” the Australian skipper added.
The first Test between Bangladesh and Australia will get underway on Sunday in Mirpur.
Australia’s playing XI for the first Test: Steve Smith (c), David Warner, Matthew Renshaw, Usman Khawaja, Peter Handscomb, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Wade, Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood