Lee, Shastri rally behind Khawaja to regain form at The Gabba | Cricket News – Times of India

Former cricket stars Brett Lee and Ravi Shastri believe Usman Khawaja has the potential to answer his critics with a strong performance. Rain interrupted the first day of the third Test between Australia and India at the Gabba.
Khawaja’s scores of 8, 4, 13, and 9 not out in the series have led to calls for his removal from the team. However, he displayed a more positive approach during his short time at the crease on Saturday.
After a rain delay, he hit a boundary off the second ball, showing his intention to score runs. He finished the rain-shortened day on 19 not out, batting alongside Nathan McSweeney who was unbeaten on four.
Former Australian fast bowler Lee observed that Khawaja still displays flashes of his talent. Lee believes Khawaja can regain his form if he finds his rhythm.
“The signs are good for Usman Khawaja … but he needs the rhythm tomorrow to get back into his game. If he gets the opportunity, he might get a big one.”
The absence of David Warner, Khawaja’s usual opening partner, has added to the difficulty for Khawaja. Warner’s aggressive style often complemented Khawaja’s more cautious approach, relieving some of the pressure on him.
Former Indian cricketer Shastri acknowledged the significant impact of Warner’s absence on Khawaja. Warner’s attacking style allowed Khawaja to play his natural game more freely.
It does affect you big time because a lot of the pressure is taken off you as a batsman when you can play your own game. David would attack at the other end, and the scoreboard would be ticking along.”
McSweeney, playing in his first Test series, has a more traditional red-ball batting style. This places more responsibility on Khawaja to score runs.
Shastri suggested that the combination of Khawaja and McSweeney might have influenced India’s decision to bowl first. The green Gabba wicket offered a chance for early wickets.
“When runs are not coming at both ends, that’s one of the reasons India must have opted to field first. They could have sensed an opportunity to make early inroads and put pressure on the middle order.
“The top order hasn’t scored some runs, let’s make some early inroads and put pressure on the middle order,” Shastri noted.
With only 13.2 overs bowled on day one due to rain, India will aim to exploit Australia’s uncertain top order when play resumes on Sunday.