Ahead of the Ashes 2025-26 series, veteran Australian opener Usman Khawaja has expressed confidence in the Queensland top three’s potential to thrive in the upcoming five-match Test series against England.
Usman Khawaja unveils his Australia batting lineup for Ashes 2025-26
Khawaja, who has been in tremendous form for Australia, provided a glowing endorsement of Matthew Renshaw and Marnus Labuschagne, asserting that their inclusion in the squad would be crucial for Australia’s batting stability.
According to Khawaja, Queensland’s top-order trio, himself, Renshaw and Labuschagne, would be the ideal lineup, with Labuschagne returning to his natural No.3 position, where he has been prolific for both his state and Australia. Khawaja’s comments come ahead of the Sheffield Shield clash with New South Wales, where the players are looking to fine-tune their form before the Ashes opener in Perth next month.
“Queensland … one, two and three would be great, I think our best lineup has Marnus three, (Steve) Smith four and (Travis) Head five.” Khawaja was quoted as saying by the West.com.au.
Khawaja’s endorsement of Renshaw for an Ashes recall highlights Renshaw’s recent improvement and mental clarity, which have positioned him as a strong contender for the opening spot. Renshaw, who has experienced a rollercoaster career with Australia, has found new confidence after a strong domestic season and a solid run in the ODI series against England.
“I know if Renshaw is picked that he is in the best space right now to have a crack at Australia again and be ready to score runs. Obviously I am a little bit biased because he is my opening partner and a friend of mine, but he’s been there and done it. He has scored 184 for Australia.” the veteran cricketer added.
Khawaja, while acknowledging their personal friendship, emphasized Renshaw’s readiness, pointing out his resilience after being in and out of the Australian team. Khawaja also commended his opening partner for learning from his experiences, highlighting how Renshaw has grown both mentally and technically since his last stint in the Australian squad.
“He has been in and out of the Australian team and it allows you to grow, as I know from experience. It allows you to learn from experiences when you get the opportunity again. Whenever Rennie gets his chance … I know he will be ready. He hasn’t done himself any harm with the way he has played in the last three matches in the one-dayers. He has taken the pressure on really well and looked the part, which he always does whenever he goes to the next level. You feel like he is one guy that really belongs at the next level.” the southpaw further stated.
Ashes 2025-26: Khawaja’s mentorship and influence beyond the field
Khawaja’s influence on Renshaw’s career extends beyond the field. The veteran opener revealed that Renshaw had taken a leaf out of his book by deleting the Cricket Australia app and focusing on his game without worrying about external commentary. Renshaw himself has credited Khawaja for being a significant mentor, even joking that he copies everything Khawaja does, from their cricketing gear to living just a few minutes away from him.
In addition to his support for Renshaw, Khawaja also praised Labuschagne, who has been in scintillating form during the domestic season. Labuschagne, who has already notched up four centuries this summer, is known for his work ethic but has recently embraced a more balanced approach to training. Khawaja revealed that Labuschagne had made adjustments to his routine, hitting fewer balls in practice to give his mind a rest. This approach has been paying dividends for Labuschagne, whose performances continue to impress.
“It doesn’t surprise me that he’s deleted the CA app and is not looking at the paper. That is straight out of the Khawaja manual. I haven’t done it for six years now and I am glad he has gone the same way. I was the same. I was worried about everyone else but then I started worrying about myself and enjoying life for what it is and started playing a lot better.” the 40-year-old observed.
“He literally copies everything I do. He wears DSC (cricket clothing), wears Nike shoes and even lives five minutes from my house. He’s a ‘mini-Uz’. Our best side has Marnus in it. He brings a lot of energy, so hopefully he will be back. He is hitting less balls (in training) than he ever has. He is not hitting balls before the game in the morning. He was usually in there for an hour but he is giving his brain a bit more of a rest. He always works hard but now he is choosing when he works hard. He is growing and understanding he doesn’t need to hit four million balls to be ready. It’s just finding a balance.” Khawaja concluded.
