Usman Khawaja says he’s been working hard at his mental capacity out in the middle as he looks to overcome the inconsistency plaguing Australia’s batting line-up and secure a spot for the first Ashes Test.

Khawaja agrees with comments from vice-captain Brad Haddin that younger players today are comparatively better than previous generations, but that talent only gets you so far in Test cricket.

Australians are certainly finding that out the hard way, with plenty of uncertainty still surrounding the order and strength of the batting heading into Trent Bridge on July 10.

The Australia A team suffered a worrying collapse in their match against Gloucestershire on Saturday, all out for 111 in the second innings to leave the three-day game in the balance.

“Definitely the younger generation is better, that’s just a progression of sport,” Khawaja said.

“But .. you don’t get big scores by talent or by how far you hit a ball.

“You get them by being in the middle and having the mental capacity to stay in the middle and keep churning out runs game after game.

“That takes experience and a bit of aptitude.”

Khawaja has scored just one half century in three matches for Australia A, but is confident he’s been striking the ball well leading into the official opening match of the Ashes tour against Somerset starting on Wednesday.

After failing to get a game in the recent four-Test tour to India, Khawaja is desperate to make the leap from reserve batsman to a first-choice man in the top order.

The 26-year-old says he’s been made more “hungry” by his standing down for a match over the “home work” punishment in India and has been putting himself in a “Test” mindset every time he’s walked out to bat for the A team.

“I don’t want anyone to get my wicket,” Khawaja said after day two of Australia A’s match in Bristol where he’d made 29no and 6.

“I’m extremely hungry. I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t thought about (wanting back in the Test team) before.

“(India) was very disappointing for the team and for myself. I’d never got in trouble much during high school let alone university. Never failed a course at uni so it was a bit weird for me.

“But it was all part of the ride. I think the guys now, especially the four who did get dropped for that game are hungrier than ever and just ready to not let anything slip or happen.”

Gloucestershire require another 159 runs with seven wickets in hand to win the match on the final day, with Australia A perhaps left to rue an early declaration on their first innings when they were flying at 4-331.

Incumbent Test No.3 Phil Hughes was out lbw for 11 in the second innings, while reserve Ashes wicketkeeper Matt Wade made 28.