Burns in slump but Khawaja fires up with Shield ton

Joe Burns’ form slump continues but Usman Khawaja has jump-started his quest for a Test recall with an imperious century against South Australia at Glenelg.

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.

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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.

Meanwhile, former Test seamers Jackson Bird and Peter Siddle consigned NSW to its third lowest Sheffield Shield total as the Tasmania dominated the opening day in Adelaide.

Bird (4-14) and Siddle (3-17) were unstoppable on a strip with true bounce and carry as the Blues were rolled for 64.

Test spearhead Mitch Starc top-scored with 18 in a 21-run stand with Sean Abbott (15) which highlighted a disappointing Blues effort.

The Tigers (4-149) take an 85-run first innings lead into day two after Australian one-day paceman Sean Abbott removed key duo Matt Wade (10) and Ben McDermott (18).

Despite Tasmania’s dominance, it is Abbott who could be on the verge of a shock call-up to Australia’s Test squad after another impressive performance.

Abbott claimed 2-12 off 13 overs against Tasmania at Gladys Elphick Park on Sunday, helping restrict the Tigers to 4-149 at the end of day one.

After removing Tigers skipper Matthew Wade for 10, Abbott found the outside edge of Ben McDermott’s bat, the young gun making his way back to the pavilion for 18.

The 28-year-old is currently the Blues’ highest wicket-taker of the competition, and despite predominantly playing in conditions suited for batting, boasts 12 wickets at an average of 15.00.

But to the surprise of many, Abbott has also proven a formidable batsman in the middle order, averaging 79.50 in four innings this season.

The right-hander has plundered two half-centuries in the Sheffield Shield this summer, and guided NSW to a thrilling one-wicket victory against Queensland in round three.

National selectors are set to announce an extended Australian squad for the four-Test series against India next week, and Blues teammate Trent Copeland has “no doubt” Abbott is in contention.

“It’s been really impressive to watch him go about his business with bat and ball. The hard work he’s put into his batting paying off,” Copeland said, as reported by ESPNcricinfo.

“It’s a real value add for the guy who can play in a Test team and bat at seven or eight when we want to go with a certain balance. It means you are not a direct comparison to Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood or Mitch Starc.

“I’ve no doubt he’s ready to be in the Test hub if that was to come his way. His bowling, as a cricket nuffy myself, his planning and execution, his ability to go over and around the wicket and be exactly on the money, bumpers around the wicket, he’s become a very well-rounded bowler at a good pace and he stands the seam up perfectly. He’s as ready as anyone else if need be.”

Last month, Abbott was named in Australia’s short-format squad for the upcoming ODI and T20 series against India. He has not represented Australia in the 50-over format since his ODI debut against Pakistan in October 2014.