Australian selectors keen to make sure Usman Khawaja is ready to face India after brother charged over fake terror plot

UPDATE: After the brother of star batsman Usman Khawaja was charged over the discovery of a fake terror plot, the Australian team is getting around their man ahead of Thursday’s first Test.

Australian cricketers are rallying around Usman Khawaja ahead of Thursday’s Adelaide Test as the star batsman attempts to shake off news his brother was charged by police over a fake terror plot.

Khawaja’s brother Arsalan was charged in Sydney on Tuesday over the discovery of a fake terror plot to kill senior politicians.

It has been alleged he created the plot to “set up” a work colleague when the two were feuding over a woman.

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Australian high performance coach Ryan Harris said the news and timing of the arrest was unfortunate but the squad was supporting Khawaja.

“Obviously not great news but I’m sure everyone is rallying around him,” Harris said on Wednesday.

“He’s not here, he’s ready to go but they’re all just focusing on the cricket.

“There’s been a lot of other stuff said about this but they’re just excited about playing a home Test here in Australia.”

Usman Khawaja makes a statement to the media after news about his brother broke. Pic: Getty Images

Harris’ comments follow news Australia’s selectors were seeking reassurance Khawaja was ready for the mental challenges of a Test match while he came to terms with news surrounding his brother.

News of Arsalan’s arrest broke when the Australians were training at Adelaide Oval on Tuesday and coach Justin Langer, himself a selector, was asked to speak to Khawaja on behalf of the panel.

The selectors are concerned for Khawaja’s wellbeing given his natural concern for his brother and are also keen to ensure the incident would not prove a distraction to his Test campaign.

There has been no suggestion Khawaja would not play the Test match but the chastening news of the incident is an untimely burden for him to carry in Test week.

Khawaja is Australia’s best batsman and likely to bat No 3 in the Test.

“It’s a matter for the police to deal with,’’ Khawaja said of his brother’s arrest after Australian training on Tuesday.

Australian coach Justin Langer discusses the upcoming series with former Aussie skipper Steve Waugh during the home team’s net session. Pic: Getty Images

“Out of respect for the process it’d be inappropriate for me to make any further comments.

“I just ask you to please respect my privacy and my family’s privacy during this time.’’

Australia trained under the eye of Test selector Greg Chappell, former captain Steve Waugh and John Bertrand, the distinguished captain of Australia II, the boat which won famously ended America’s 132 years stranglehold on the America’s Cup.

Bertrand believes Langer has the character to lead Australia out of the troubled world which engulfed it after the ball tampering saga in South Africa.

“I was impressed with Justin,’’ Bertrand said.

“His natural leadership style is very empowering for people and I sense he will do very well.

“He is a listener. We have been in contact for quite a while. People will naturally get behind him.’’

Indications are the match strip should be sound for batting, as Adelaide strips generally are.

Bowlers from both sides face an extreme test of their endurance with the four Test series to be played in just over a month.

Originally published as Australian selectors keen to make sure Usman Khawaja is ready to face India after brother charged over fake terror plot