Andrew McDonald Considers Usman Khawaja For Middle Order in Adelaide Test

Australia’s coach suggested Usman Khawaja could bat in the middle order as he returns from injury for the third Ashes Test.

Australia coach Andrew McDonald said Usman Khawaja could be a middle-order option for the Adelaide Test. Khawaja is now fit after missing the Gabba Test with back spasms.

His return creates a selection dilemma. The new opening pair of Travis Head and Jake Weatherald have been successful. They have shared two 70-plus stands in the series. Khawaja will turn 39 during the Adelaide match.

“It worked at this point in time. Pink-ball Test at the Gabba, we felt like that combination was right for those conditions and the opposition. We will always ask ourselves the question that the selection table as we move in. At our strategy meetings, we’ll continue to ask questions on what the best line-up is for that point in time. And we’re taking this Test by Test,” McDonald said.

ALSO READ | Ashes 2025-26: Mark Wood Ruled Out After Knee Injury Setback

Coach Emphasises Batting Flexibility

“The assumption is that Uzzie can only open as well. So I think that he does have the flexibility. And we like to think that all our batters have the flexibility to be able to perform anywhere in that order. So we’ve got a collective sort of group of batters there that as a series wears on, the opposition may create some different challenges for us. We’re open to what it will look like for us moving forward,” McDonald added.

Khawaja’s recent Test form has been modest. He averages 31.84 since the end of the 2023 Ashes. However, he scored consistently for Queensland earlier this season.

McDonald noted there had been no previous discussion about moving Khawaja from the opener’s role. “He’s been a stable piece up there, so we haven’t discussed moving him previously. But we’re open to what the batting model would look like moving forward should there be any moving parts. Whether Trav opens, whether he goes back to the middle, that will all play out. We’re taking it Test by Test,” McDonald said.

If Khawaja returns, it would likely be at the expense of Josh Inglis. Australia’s squad for Adelaide is expected to be confirmed on Wednesday. Captain Pat Cummins is set to return to the side.