Promising New South Wales batsman Usman Khawaja has been drafted in to Australia's squad for the Boxing Day Test as cover for the injured Ricky Ponting.
Cricket Australia's National Selection Panel (NSP) on Tuesday announced New South Wales batsman Usman Khawaja as a standby player for the fourth Ashes Test match as captain Ricky Ponting continues his recovery from a fractured finger.
NSP Chairman Andrew Hilditch said: "While the NSP are confident Ricky Ponting will be available for the Boxing Day Test, through an abundance of caution we have named Usman Khawaja as the standby player.
"Usman richly deserves this opportunity following his excellent form at domestic level last season and continuing on this season."
Former Test captain Allan Border told foxsports.com.au on Monday that he expected Ponting to play in Melbourne.
"I'll bet my house on it," Border said.
"He's got a little crack on his little pinky. He's the toughest bloke going around, and he's going to play."
No comments:
Post a Comment