Ashes: Andrew McDonald speaks about Usman Khawaja's uncertain Test future

Usman Khawaja (Pic: File Pic)

Australia's head coach, Andrew McDonald, stated that the selectors have received no hints from veteran opening batsman Usman Khawaja regarding his future. The coach also confirmed that the left-hander will be selected for the fifth and final Test match.

Khawaja's future in the Australian team looks uncertain. There are rumours that the cricketer might take a call in the fifth Test match as Australia won't be playing another Test match until the Bangladesh series, which is scheduled for August.

Speaking about Khawaja's future, McDonald said that there are no indications that the cricketer would be making a decision in Sydney.

"We've been really clear that we haven't had a conversation. The speculation has been from the external. He's with his family at the moment, having a couple of days off. We'll build in Sydney, and we're always having conversations with players about where they are and speaking with them directly. And there's no indication at my end that he's calling it in Sydney," he said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

The fifth and the final Test match of the Ashes series is scheduled to be played from January 4 at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Moore Park.

Further speaking, the former cricketer also confirmed Khawaja's feature in the Sydney clash and said, "He'd be making centre in Sydney."

"So that'll be something that we'll discuss, but his performance in this calendar year has been good enough to warrant selection, so I'd say he'd be there marking centre in Sydney. Our challenge is if any of our great players retire, you want to acknowledge them. But until that point in time when you're clear on someone's future, it's very difficult," said the 44-year-old former cricketer.

The Aussies have already won the five-match Ashes series with one match yet to be played. Australia is leading the series 3-1, and it will be interesting to see if the "Three Lions" manage to secure a win in the final match.

The side will be looking to end the series on a high note, whereas the Ben Stokes-led England will be playing for pride.

(With ANI Inputs)