Snubbed Australian batsman Usman Khawaja might be denied a chance to send a not-so-subtle reminder in Queensland’s one-day Gabba clash with Tasmania on Sunday due to a force that appears as fickle as the national selectors – Mother Nature.
Khawaja has not been sighted since being run out for three on ODI debut in Australia’s opening clash against Sri Lanka on January 11.
The classy left-handed batsman missed out again on Friday when Aaron Finch was recalled after David Hussey’s axing for the opening two ODIs against the West Indies in Perth.
It was a confusing call after chief selector John Inverarity claimed the one-dayers would be used as a form guide ahead of the upcoming Indian tour.
Adding to his frustration, Khawaja looks set to miss out on a chance to press his claims on Sunday due to Queensland’s big wet.
Up to 300mm are expected to inundate south-east Queensland over the weekend as ex-tropical cyclone Oswald moves down the coast.
A washout would also be a blow to Queensland’s hopes of reeling in the one-day competition’s runaway leaders.
Third-placed Queensland (13pts) had described Sunday’s game as a “must win” as they looked to chip away at leaders Victoria (19pts) and No.2 outfit South Australia (18pts).
The stage had been set for Queensland to pick up from their three straight one-day wins before the Big Bash League break, with Bulls captain James Hopes returning from a hamstring complaint.
However, coach Darren Lehmann looks set to wonder what might have been on several fronts.
Khawaja’s omission followed Bulls teammate and Brisbane’s BBL batting standout Luke Pomersbach being overlooked for the T20 internationals against Sri Lanka over the Australia Day long weekend.
And Lehmann – who holds both the Bulls and Heat reins – had also been mystified by selectors refusing to acknowledge the claims of Queensland ‘keeper Chris Hartley.
“I notice the selectors never talk his (Hartley’s) name when they’re talking Australian wicketkeepers but he’s one of the best going around, if not the best gloveman in Australia,” Lehmann told the Bulls website.
“There’s a lot of good ‘keepers out there but I’d like him to be recognised.
“(And) his form with the bat in all formats has been exceptional this season.”
Despite claiming the BBL title, Lehmann’s Heat boasted just one player in the national T20 squad – quick Ben Cutting.
“They’ve worked really hard and played a good brand of cricket through the tournament,” Lehmann said of his Heat contingent which boasted mostly Bulls players.
Queensland next host Western Australia on February 2 before playing the final qualifying one-dayer against Victoria at the MCG a fortnight later.
