Usman Khawaja Eyes 8,000 International Runs in Boxing Day Test
Khawaja Approaches Milestone at MCG
On December 25, in New Delhi, Australia’s Usman Khawaja is set to achieve a significant personal milestone during the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) this Friday. The seasoned left-handed batter is just 28 runs shy of reaching 8,000 international runs.
Currently, Khawaja has accumulated 7,972 runs across 135 international matches, which feature 18 centuries and 41 half-centuries. This upcoming Test offers him a chance to enhance his already remarkable career, particularly in front of a vibrant MCG audience.
Australia has already secured the Ashes, leading the series 3-0, and will be looking to extend their dominance with a 4-0 lead as they take the field in Melbourne.
Khawaja has been included in Australia’s twelve for the Boxing Day Test and is anticipated to play a crucial role in the fourth Test against England. He demonstrated solid form in the previous Test at Adelaide, scoring 82 and 40, which highlighted his significance in Australia’s batting order.
With his current form, confidence, and a major milestone within reach, all eyes will be on Khawaja as Australia aims to strengthen their hold on the Ashes at this historic venue.
For the Boxing Day Test, Australia will field an all-pace attack. Stand-in captain Steve Smith, who returned after missing the third Test in Adelaide, mentioned that the team is still finalizing their XI for the fourth Ashes Test.
Smith indicated that selectors want to assess the 'quite furry' MCG pitch tomorrow morning before finalizing their pace lineup, with Brendan Doggett, Michael Neser, and returning fast bowler Jhye Richardson vying for the last two spots.
Smith’s return from an inner-ear issue means Josh Inglis has been left out of the XI, while veteran batter Usman Khawaja has retained his position following his impressive scores in Adelaide.
This marks the second instance in the series where Australia has opted for an all-fast bowling lineup, with Doggett and Neser both participating in the day-night second Test in Brisbane, where Neser took five wickets in the second innings.
If selected for the Boxing Day Test, it will be Neser’s first red-ball Test, as his previous three appearances were all in pink-ball matches.
Pat Cummins has been rested for the Melbourne Test after recently recovering from a back injury, but he may return for the final Test of the series in Sydney starting January 4.