Pakistan-born Khawaja will make his Test debut as Ponting’s replacement with the bat, while paceman Doug Bollinger returned in a 12-man squad after Harris suffered a stress ankle fracture in the Melbourne Test.
Khawaja, 24, who has scored the most runs (598) in the Sheffield Shield competition this season at 74.75, will be considered for Ponting’s No.3 spot.
I don’t think I’ve ever been pulling for an Australian cricketer this much. Will be heading to the Sydney Test to hopefully see the kid do well.
I saw on interview of his on FoxSports a few years ago when he came into the NSW side and, when asked of potentially playing Test cricket, he said it was just a pipedream right now and a long, long road of hard work to go. Really glad he’s got there and got the opportunity!
Because we would support him, as long as he is not playing Pakistan. He is Pakistani, and grew up Australian. My Kids Being born and living in the US, when they grow up they'll be more American than Pakistani because they wouldnt feel the same Patriotism, thats only normal fact of life.
Besides, in Pakistan (PCB) we are still deeply embroiled in ethnicity and selecting based on that. Good to see places like England, South Africa and Australia giving chances to deserving minorities.