Waugh says the time has come for Khawaja

IN-FORM NSW batsman Usman Khawaja and Queensland fast bowler Ryan Harris should be picked in the Australian squad under Ricky Ponting's captaincy to take on England, according to experts polled this week.

Asked to name a 13-man outift with the best chance of winning the Ashes, which start in Brisbane on November 25, analysts and former Test players Mark Waugh, Greg Blewett and Brendon Julian all included Harris, who was recently selected in the ICC's limited-overs team of the year but is still returning to fitness after knee surgery.

''I'd definitely have Ryan Harris in the XI for Brisbane if he's available,'' Julian said.

Waugh was more certain, saying it was time to bring in ''new blood''. He picked Khawaja for Mike Hussey but retained Marcus North because of his bowling. He also named another popular choice, young leggie Steven Smith. ''The selectors can strike while the iron's hot with Khawaja,'' Waugh said.

Fleming, too, included Khawaja in the squad and North in the starting XI. ''But I'd also like to see Smith in the side,'' he said.

Sthalekar was a lone voice supporting NSW quick Stuart Clark but her reasoning was sound. ''I feel the Australian line-up needs his experience,'' she said.