Scores of 8, 4, 13, and 9 not out in the series have sparked calls for his exclusion, but Khawaja appeared more assertive during his brief stint on Saturday. The left-hander struck a boundary off the second ball after the first rain break, signalling an intent to play positively. He ended the rain-affected day on 19 not out, with Nathan McSweeney unbeaten on four at the other end.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Former Australian pacer Brett Lee noted that Khawaja still shows glimpses of his class and can turn things around with the right rhythm. Speaking on Fox Sports, Lee said, \u201cThe signs are good for Usman Khawaja ... but he needs the rhythm tomorrow to get back into his game. If he gets the opportunity, he might get a big one.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The absence of Khawaja\u2019s long-time opening partner, David Warner, has added to the challenge. Warner\u2019s aggressive playing style often complemented Khawaja\u2019s more measured approach, easing the pressure on the latter.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Former Indian cricketer Ravi Shastri acknowledged the impact of Warner\u2019s absence. \u201cIt does affect you big time because a lot of the pressure is taken off you as a batsman when you can play your own game. David would attack at the other end, and the scoreboard would be ticking along,\u201d Shastri explained.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
In contrast, McSweeney, playing his first Test series, adopts a more traditional red-ball style, requiring Khawaja to take on more responsibility.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Shastri suggested that the pairing of Khawaja and McSweeney might have influenced India\u2019s decision to bowl first on a green Gabba wicket.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"When runs are not coming at both ends, that\u2019s one of the reasons India must have opted to field first. They could have sensed an opportunity to make early inroads and put pressure on the middle order.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"The top order hasn't scored some runs, let's make some early inroads and put pressure on the middle order,\" Shastri noted.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"When runs are not coming at both ends, that\u2019s one of the reasons India must have opted to field first. They could have sensed an opportunity to make early inroads and put pressure on the middle order.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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