Pressure on Queensland opener Joe Burns as form slump continues
Queensland captain Usman Khawaja jump-started his quest for a Test recall, but teammate Joe Burns’ form slump continued on Sunday.
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Joe Burns’ form slump continued but Usman Khawaja jump-started his quest for a Test recall with an imperious century against South Australia at Glenelg.
Australian opener Burns (10) fell inside edging a drive at swingman Daniel Worrall (1-77) to keeper Harry Nielsen as Queensland reached 4/331 by stumps against the Redbacks.
Victorian opener Will Pucovski’s incredible 438 run spree in two innings has placed pressure on Burns to produce in Queensland’s second innings with national chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns present in Adelaide. Burns has 1379 runs in 21 Tests, but is averaging 11.5 this season. The benefit of incumbency is clouded with Australia’s last Test against New Zealand in January.
Ashes discard Khawaja (131) had struggled for scores of 4, 4 and 41 this season and remains back in the queue of candidates to face India, but impressed with trademark timing and strokeplay against the Redbacks.
Skipper Khawaja, 33, believes he has more to give in the baggy green and finally backed his case with a 29th first-class ton, featuring 20 boundaries and two ruthless sixes off leg-spinner Lloyd Pope. Khawaja put on 128 with third-wicket partner Bryce Street (38) then 108 alongside unbeaten Matt Renshaw (84).
“Khawaja batted very well but thankfully we got him later in the day,” said Wes Agar (1-60) who tempted an edge from the Queensland skipper to Callum Ferguson at first slip before stumps.
“We know we have to grind.”
One-Test paceman Chadd Sayers ensured Test No.3 Marnus Labuschagne (0) recorded consecutive ducks after twin tons in a feast or famine preparation to face India.
Bryce Street (38) had smashed Lloyd Pope to the boundary before exiting to an exceptional, reflex catch by Henry Hunt at short leg.
Former Test left-hander Matt Renshaw and keeper-batsman Jimmy Peirson (60) will pursue a mammoth first innings total on day two.
Originally published as Pressure on Queensland opener Joe Burns as form slump continues