Australia vs India: Usman Khawaja is not bothered about his batting position

It’s just three days to go for the first Australia-India Test at the Adelaide Oval but the hosts are yet not decided over arranging their batting order, particularly the top three. While Aaron Finch, who made his Test debut only recently against Pakistan, is likely to fill one opener’s slot, the team management is yet to finalise his partner and the decision will be taken only after observing the contenders for the playing XI during the net sessions in the next few days.

The selection panel is mulling over including the newbie Marcus Harris and PeterHandsomb in the playing XI and based on that, Usman Khawaja’s position will be decided. The left-hander, who made a comeback after sustaining a knee injury against Pakistan in the UAE, scored a century as an opener in the first Test. The player though is an accomplished No.3 batsman and could return to his old position in case Australia find an opening pair.

The ban on David Warner has left the Baggy Greens with a problem with the opening slot and they are still in the hunt to find the perfect combination.

Ready to bat anywhere

Khawaja, however, is ready to bat anywhere. Speaking to Australia’s SEN Radio on Monday, he said, “I’m prepared to bat wherever I’m told to bat. I’m expecting it to be three or opening, but we have two openers in the side. It’s something that’s not on my mind because it doesn’t really bother me. I’m just training as I would (for) any other game, ready to get out there and play some cricket.”

He said with growing age, players tend to be more flexible as they realize that there is not too much difference in batting at different positions apart from a slight adjustment in the mindset. Meanwhile, India will also be sweating their brains to find the perfect opening combination as the sudden injury to Prithvi Shaw has put their plans in jeopardy.

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