Khawaja declared fit for Ashes opener, Pattinson to make comeback

Australia’s incumbent No.3, Usman Khawaja has been declared fit for the opening Test of the Ashes in Edgbaston, after overcoming a hamstring injury. Khawaja was ruled out in the latter stages of the World Cup with the injury, with questions being raised on his availability for the Ashes opener in Birmingham. Head coach Justin Langer has also revealed that pacer James Pattinson will play in the series opener.

Speaking to the media in Birmingham, Langer said:

“Usman Khawaja will definitely be in, he’s fit, ready to go, he’s playing well. He’s a seasoned pro for us, averages 40-odd in Test cricket, his hammy’s good, he’s running well, he’s passed all the fitness tests so he’s ready to go. He’ll bat No. 3.”

Langer also stated that Pattinson will be one of the members of the pace battery:

“Just a very, very good bowler. I’m sure Painey will work out ways of using him, it’s just nice to see him back, it’s a great story isn’t it, coming back from where he was as a young bowler, the back surgeries, to more than likely being selected for this Test match, it’s a great story.”

Langer also confirmed that the slot to open alongside David Warner and the role of the third seamer was still up for grabs:

“Like in all these selections, there’s literally a case for 17 blokes to play. The opening partnership’s going to be really tough, between Cameron and Marcus Harris, really hard. They’ve both got a really strong case, and then the fast bowling spots. There’s probably three to be fair, Starcy, Peter Siddle and Josh Hazlewood, for one spot.”

Being declared fit, Khawaja will form a formidable Australian batting order along with Steve Smith and David Warner.