Warner said Khawaja was “versatile” and has “scored runs in all positions” for Australia, from opening to No.6.
“It just shows you what back-up we do have for Australian cricket, and to have an experienced player like Usman Khawaja come in for Stephen Smith, England still wouldn’t have slept,” Warner said.
David Warner and Usman Khawaja were long-term opening partners in the Test team.Credit: Getty Images
“If it was someone else, someone new, they might have thought, this person hasn’t played 50-odd Test matches, scored however many centuries Uzzie has, and they can’t rest easy.
“I was pumped for him.
“It’s going to be a tricky thing for the selectors now come Boxing Day as well. It just shows you the depth that we do have in Australian cricket at the moment.”
Asked for his thoughts on how Australia’s batting line-up might look in the fourth Test, given Khawaja’s effort, Warner replied: “It’s a tough one.
“I think you heard Pat Cummins’ press conference where they’re happy at the moment with the two [Travis Head and Jake Weatherald] at the top.
“When you’ve got a dynamic duo that come out and take it on, and you can pile on the runs fast, they probably like that at the moment … ”
Ruled out of Sydney Thunder’s opening Big Bash League match with a back problem, Warner hopes to return in Saturday’s Sydney Smash against the Sixers at Engie Stadium.
A sell-out crowd is expected for what shapes as an emotional occasion after the horrific terrorist attack at Bondi Beach on Sunday.
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“I think the great thing about sport is we put smiles on people’s faces, and hopefully people can gather together as families and watch that,” Warner said. “For something so close to our community and one of our most beautiful and iconic beaches as well – my thoughts go out to all the families and everyone that’s affected by that.”
Warner cheekily dared Sixers skipper Moises Henriques to repeat last season’s faux pas, when he described the Thunder as “just an easy two points for us normally”, comments he was left to regret after Warner’s men won convincingly.
“We just need Moises to chirp at us again and get the boys firing, so I’ll wait for those comments this week,” Warner said with a grin.
