After backing Usman Khawaja to return to the side ahead of the second Test, Michael Clarke has made a shock U-turn and said he would not want the 38-year-old back at the top for the Adelaide match. Khawaja did not get off to the best start to the Ashes series as he suffered back spasms in the first innings of the first Test and then did not bat in the second as Australia completed the match in just two days.
He failed to make the squad for the pink ball test and Travis Head, who scored a whopping hundred in Perthopened alongside Jake Weatherald. The duo were aggressive in their intent and put on 77 runs in 13.1 overs in the first innings as Australia posted 511. The form the duo displayed is in stark contrast to Khawaja’s run in Tests in 2025 as he scored 463 runs in eight matches at a strike rate of 53.83 and scored 250 for the year. Sri Lanka. Khawaja is now back in the team for the Adelaide Test.
Just after the first Test, Clarke said he wanted Khawaja back in the side and opening because he felt Australia wouldn’t tinker too much after just playing.
“He got injured. That’s what it is. Now that he’s back, he should open the batting in the second Test,” Clarke said after the Perth Test win.
However, the former Australian captain now feels that he cannot support the move for Khawaja to open in the third Test. Speaking to ESPNCricinfo, Clarke said he did not feel the Aussies needed to go back to Khawaja.
“I think the selectors will pick him (Usman Khawaja). I think he’ll be back at the top of the order. I honestly don’t know if I’d make a change. I think I’ve said it before, normally with older players like this and certainly when you get to that age you’re picked for big tournaments, whether it’s a World Cup or an Ashes series, and at the end of it, Clarke, your time is done.
“Australia are 2-0 up. We’ve got someone at the top of the order who has scored an incredible hundred (Travis Head). I don’t know if he has to go back to that now. I know it can be difficult for Uzzy because he’s had an amazing career and he’s been a great player.”
‘AUSTRALIAN STYLE WORKS’
Clarke said Australia’s aggressive style was working and while Khawaja’s place was not in doubt before the series, things have changed.
“His place was not discussed before the ball was bowled in this series, but things have changed. Australia are dominant, their style of play works, so I don’t know if I would go back to that,” Clarke said.
The third Test between England and Australia will begin on December 17.
– The end
Published on:
December 11, 2025
