Harris: Khawaja ready to explode at Test level

Former Australia seamer Ryan Harris says batsman Usman Khawaja is ready to show what he can do at the highest level, having struck a century against New Zealand in a tour match.

Khawaja hit an unbeaten 111 in Canberra and it is almost a certainty that the left-hander will be in the squad for the three-match Test series against the Black Caps, starting in Brisbane on 5 November.

The Aussie selectors are looking to fill the gaps in the batting order following the retirements of Michael Clarke, Chris Rogers and Shane Watson.

The 28 year-old has already played in nine Tests, making his debut in the 2011 Ashes when he replaced an injured Ricky Ponting, but Harris says Khawaja will be better now for the experience.

A former right-arm paceman, Harris said: "He is probably ready to explode and show what he can really do at that level. He is excited about a long career batting at one, two or three – wherever he bats, he wants to be in that Test side.

"He's been there done that, probably been exposed to any faults in his technique at Test level and he has come back and made some good runs. He knows what it takes to be a Test cricketer and a successful one."

"(Cameron) Bancroft, Khawaja and (Queensland's Joe) Burns are good enough to make it at Test level.

"It will be interesting to see who they go with because I am not sure they (selectors) know yet the make-up of the side which I think is a good thing."

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