Selectors Face Tough Call as Head–Weatherald Shine; Khawaja in Contention for Middle-Order Return

Australia head coach Andrew McDonald says Usman Khawaja could be considered for a middle-order role in the Adelaide Test as selectors weigh up their options following the early success of the new opening partnership between Travis Head and Jake Weatherald.

Khawaja, who missed the Gabba Test due to back spasms, has been cleared of injury and is available for selection. If picked, the 38-year-old—who turns 39 during the Test—would become the first Australian to play a Test at that age in four decades.

Opening Pair Forces Rethink

The emergence of the Head–Weatherald combination has created an unexpected dilemma. The pair have put on two rapid 70-plus partnerships in Perth and Brisbane, giving Australia dominant starts in both Ashes Tests. Before their arrival, Australia managed only three half-century opening stands in 14 Tests since David Warner’s retirement.

“It worked at this point in time,” McDonald said. “We felt like that combination was right for those conditions and the opposition. But we’ll keep asking what the best line-up is — we’re taking this Test by Test.”

McDonald emphasised that Khawaja should not be viewed solely as an opener.

“The assumption is that Uzzie can only open. We think he has flexibility, and we like to think all our batters can perform anywhere. As the series wears on, the opposition may create new challenges.”

Questions Over Khawaja’s Form

Khawaja’s place had been under scrutiny. Since the end of the 2023 Ashes, he has averaged 31.84 with just one century in 45 innings, though he began this domestic season strongly for Queensland.

His most recent stint in the middle order came during the 2021-22 Ashes when he filled in for the Covid-stricken Travis Head at No. 5 and scored twin centuries at the SCG. Those performances earned him a permanent place, and he later moved to opener when Head returned.

McDonald confirmed that since then, a move back down the order had not been seriously discussed.

“He’s been a stable piece up there,” he said. “But we’re open to what the model will look like. Whether Trav opens, whether he goes back to the middle… this will all play out.”

Flexible Batting Model in Focus

Both McDonald and captain Pat Cummins have spoken this season about using more flexible batting line-ups, arguing fixed positions may be overrated in the modern game.

If Khawaja does return in Adelaide, it would likely be at the expense of Josh Inglis, who batted at No. 7 in Brisbane. Inglis made an uncertain 23 but delivered a highlight with a stunning direct-hit run out to dismiss Ben Stokes.

Squad Announcement Imminent

Australia are expected to finalise their squad on Wednesday, with Cummins set to rejoin the 14-man group from Brisbane ahead of his anticipated return as captain.

With a successful new opening pair, a fit veteran, and a commitment to flexibility, selectors face one of their most intriguing decisions of the series.