The Australian selectors have put on too much pressure on Usman Khawaja: Rob Key

30-year-old Usman Khawaja is into his 25th Test match. He has scored close to 1800 runs at an average of 45.47. But he has become a bunny to the spinners. As soon as he came out to bat at the Gabba, England skipper Joe Root turned to spin and introduced Moeen Ali. Khawaja further, proved Root’s call to be a wise one as he got trapped. Australi though recovered later after skipper Steve Smith played a brilliant knock of unbeaten 141*.

Former England cricketer Robert Key said that Khawaja might be dropped for the 2nd Test, as he is vulnerable to playing spin. At his arrival, Moeen will be introduced into the attack and the spinner will expose his weakness against the turners.

“The Australian selectors have a lot to answer for with Khawaja. Fair enough, he can’t play spin but we’ve seen him play over the years and he is not a bad player.” Key wrote in his column.

Key questions selector’s call

Key also questioned selector’s decision, as he believes the southpaw has been handled in a messy manner. He didn’t get to play a game in the sub-continent, and with Glenn Maxwell making a solid 278 in the domestic circuit, the former with well be left out of the squad. “Nasser Hussain has made a good point that the selections you make should take pressure off players, I think the Australian selectors have put so much pressure on Khawaja by the way they just discarded him in the subcontinent.” he said.

“You may as well just drop him because the way he plays spin, as soon as he comes in, Ali will be on. I feel for Khawaja because the Australian selection policy has been so haphazard and with Glenn Maxwell having hit a double hundred in the Sheffield Shield today, there is every chance he’ll be in for the next Test.” Key added.