Queensland, Nov 26 (NationPress) Matt Renshaw has praised Usman Khawaja as one of Australia’s finest-ever batsmen, acknowledging that his fellow Queenslander could prevent him from making a Test comeback.

Khawaja, who has been struggling with back spasms in Perth, is under pressure to rejuvenate his career as he nears his 39th birthday and faces a slump in form. Nevertheless, Renshaw, fresh from a match-winning Sheffield Shield century for Queensland against Victoria, asserts that Khawaja is still capable of facing England’s aggressive bowling lineup in the Ashes.

“He boasts an average exceeding 40 in Test cricket, has participated in 85 matches, and is among our top batsmen. He is one of the finest cricketers that Australia has ever seen,” Renshaw informed reporters during the Australian PGA pro-am at Royal Queensland on Wednesday.

Khawaja was initially scheduled to play for Queensland at the pro-am, but persistent back issues led to his withdrawal, creating an opportunity for Renshaw to step up. The 38-year-old is currently undergoing further evaluation in Brisbane after experiencing an unexpected episode of spasms that started on the first day of the match.

This issue caused Khawaja to bat at No.4 in the first innings, and he ultimately was not required during Queensland’s exceptional run chase on day two.

Travis Head’s explosive 123 while substituting as opener has reignited discussions about whether the No.5 should permanently ascend the batting order. However, should Australia decide to move on from Khawaja and revert to a more conventional long-format opener, Renshaw seems well-positioned. The left-handed batsman last appeared in a Test in February 2023 as a concussion substitute for David Warner during Australia’s dramatic collapse in Delhi.

Renshaw's recent form in domestic cricket has been impressive; a stylish 112 under lights against Victoria at the Gabba this week complements his previous century and a 51 in the last Sheffield Shield match.

Australia’s upcoming Test, a day-night encounter at the Gabba starting December 4, could further bolster Renshaw’s case. Since 2021, he has excelled in pink-ball first-class matches, tallying 312 runs at an average of 62.40, including two centuries in three appearances.

Reflecting on his latest Shield century, Renshaw remarked, “I’m pleased the Queensland selectors likely took notice. Knowing that we secured the victory for Queensland was quite special. We had several key players absent, and being a senior batsman for Queensland, standing up and fulfilling my role to clinch the win on day three was incredibly rewarding.”