Australia’s veteran opener Usman Khawaja has backed experience over young blood for Ashes 2025-26 squad. Khawaja expects Marnus Labuschagne at no.3, getting his spot back on the back of performances in domestic cricket. In addition, he wants his other Queensland teammate Matt Renshaw in the side as opener ahead of Sam Konstas. The opener admits that he is biased towards Renshaw because he is his friend but backs him to repeat the Sydney heroics of 2017, recalling his knock of 184 against Pakistan.
"I think our best line-up has Marnus three, [Steve] Smith four and [Travis] Head five," he said ahead of Queensland's match against New South Wales at the Gabba. "I know if Renshaw is picked, that he is in the best space right now to have a crack at Australia again and be ready to score runs. Obviously, I am a little bit biased because he is my opening partner and a friend of mine, but he's been there and done it. He has scored 184 for Australia.”
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Renshaw made his ODI debut against India in the recently concluded three-ODI series. After unbeaten 21 in Perth, 30-run knock in Adelaide and a half-century in Sydney, the 29-year-old has made his case for a Test recall.
"He hasn't done himself any harm with the way he has played in the last three matches in the one-dayers [against India]. He has taken the pressure on really well and looked the part, which he always does whenever he goes to the next level. You feel like he is one guy that really belongs at the next level," the 38-year-old said.
Renshaw’s recent run in red-ball cricket
Renshaw scored a century against Tasmania earlier this month. A few months earlier, he scored a century against Sri Lanka A as well.
Renshaw’s chance to score big
Renshaw will be seen in action when Queensland go up against New South Wales at The Gabba, Brisbane in their Sheffield Shield 2025-26 encounter, starting on October 28. The opposition team will feature stand-in Test captain Steve Smith.