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Opener Usman Khawaja has received the backing of his teammates amid calls the 38-year-old should be dropped from the XI as a report claims axed allrounder Mitch Marsh could be set for an Ashes recall. There are growing calls among Australian cricket fans for Travis Head to become a permanent fixture at the top of the order after his historic century against England in Perth.
Head made the selfless call to move up the order for the injured Khawaja in Australia's bid to chase down 209 in the fourth innings. And Head scored the fastest-ever fourth innings century to propel Australia to a 1-0 Ashes series lead.
Khawaja is in the twilight of his career and his back injury has come at the worst time considering his output has been diminishing across the last 18 months. Khawaja struggled against India, South Africa and then the West Indies, with the majority of his big scores coming in Sri Lanka on flatter pitches.
Khawaja has surpassed 50 once in his last 14 innings and that came against Sri Lanka. And his latest injury has prompted calls for change at the top of the order. However, Khawaja's Queensland opening partner, Matt Renshaw, has backed the veteran to make a return.
Speaking at the Australian PGA pro-am at Royal Queensland, Renshaw said Khawaja has what it takes to make a statement in the Ashes series if given another opportunity. "He's got an average over 40 in Test cricket, he's played 85 games, he's one of our best batters," Renshaw told reporters.
"He's one of the best cricketers that Australia's ever produced." Renshaw could also be in line to replace Khawaja in the pink-ball clash at the Gabba. Since 2021, Renshaw has scored 312 runs at 62.40 with two centuries in day-night first-class matches.
But it appears it will be Head to take Khawaja's role if any changes are made. And Khajawa also has the backing of another big name when it comes to more time wearing the baggy green.
Former Australian captain Michael Clarke has agreed with Renshaw and called for Khawaja to come straight back into the XI. Speaking about the veteran, Clarke suggested the opener has done enough throughout his career to warrant a final push with the SCG offering a sendoff.
“I think I still like (Head) at No.5 to be honest. I can’t see the selectors making a change for the second Test. I think they’ll keep the faith with Uzzie, he’s been at the top of the order for a while,” Clarke told Code Sports.
“I think Khawaja stays at the top of the order for the second Test, I don’t think the Aussies are making any changes. I think they’ll stick with the same XI, assuming Cummins and Hazlewood are still not fit.”
Another name that has been thrown into contention for a role at some stage in the Ashes series is Marsh. The allrounder was dropped from the side for the SCG clash against India last summer. He has also not played Sheffield Shield cricket since last summer.
But The Age has reported an insider with knowledge of Australia's discussions has claimed Marsh is being considered for a role later in the series. This is becaue of his ability to take on the quicks. Marsh's record against England is solid with the allrounder averaging 47.07 at a strike rate of nearly 60. And it appears Australia are looking to counterattack the English bowling attack with big-hitting.
Bailey did shut down suggestions Marsh would be opening the batting ahead of Perth, but didn't rule out a role for the Western Australian later in the series. “He’s got a game that could provide an injection, a different look at how he might attack it,” Bailey has said of Marsh.
“It’s not the path we’re going down to start the series, but what it looks like later on, we’ll see.” Former spinner Brad Hogg had thrown out Marsh's name as a potential replacement down the order if Head remains as opener.
Head was destructive to England, and unfortunately it might also be damaging to Khawaja’s future. This could open the door for Australia to keep him at the top, with Green at 5 and Webster at 6 — or maybe even Mitch Marsh. Is Khawaja’s time up?#Ashes #AUSvsENG pic.twitter.com/xQgU9rPTav
— Brad Hogg (@Brad_Hogg) November 23, 2025
So head to open marsh replaces head
— rainy days (@wheresistherain) November 26, 2025
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