Usman Khawaja has made a strong case to remain in the Australian Test side after a wonderful century at the SCG on day two.
Khawaja scored his ninth test 100 and second against England before being dismissed for 137.
The 25-year-old last played Test cricket in 2019 but was included in Asutralia's Ashes squad following a strong start to the Sheffield Shield season.
After being left out of the side for the first three test matches, former test opener Simon Katich believes that Khawaja should be considered a lock for the remainder of the Ashes and the upcoming tour of Pakistan.
“He’s definitely in the four best batsmen of Australia”, Katich said to 1170 SEN Breakfast.
“His test average suggests that. He averages over 40.
“Given the way he got the hundred yesterday, he has to stay in the team.”
Prior to the Ashes, Khawaja and Head were fighting for the number five position with struggling opener Marcus Harris being guaranteed by chief selector George Bailey to open alongside David Warner.
Head won the spot and further secured his spot in the side after he scored a blistering 152 at the Gabba.
Khawaja averages 97 as an opener and proved on a tricky pitch in Sydney that his technique and temperament is up there with the best in the country.
Katich suggests that Khawaja should replace Harris and open the batting for the Fifth Test in Hobart.
“At the end of the day, (Khawaja) scored a test hundred”, Katich added.
“Marcus Harris… he’s into his 13th test match, still hasn’t got a hundred and averages mid 20’s whereas Khawaja averages over 40.
“Head comes back in so that means Harris misses out.
“It’s unfortunate (but) if you don’t make test hundreds, there’s always someone else out there to grab your spot.”
Katich further questioned why Khawaja was dropped during the 2019 Ashes series and believes Khawaja has not been given the same level of opportunity as other batters.
“He was hard done by being dropped being dropped in the first place.
“He had a tough time over there, but he wasn’t alone.
“I don’t think that same level of respect was shown to Usman Khawaja.”
Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne both have exceptional averages of over 60 in Test cricket, while David Warner averages 48 and Head is not far behind him on 42.
While Harris failed through the first two Ashes Tests, his fighting 76 at the MCG was backed up by solid 38 against the new ball in the first innings at the SCG.