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Potential Replacements Of Usman Khawaja In Australia's Squad For 2025-27 WTC Cycle

Aashay Chopade

Sam Konstas and Usman Khawaja (Source:@semfforr/X.com)Sam Konstas and Usman Khawaja (Source:@semfforr/X.com)

Usman Khawaja has been a great servant for Australian cricket and has scored runs all over the globe. He recently scored a double century against Sri Lanka in Galle, but apart from that knock, he has managed just two fifties in the Test format since 2024.

The left-handed batter is now 37 years old, and after his failure in the WTC final, there is a chance that the Australian team management might decide to go for a younger player. Australia also have plenty of quality options at their disposal, and could well decide to take the bold step of dropping Khawaja in the next WTC cycle.

Thus, in this article, we will look at the three potential replacements for Usman Khawaja in case Australian selectors decide to drop the opener.

1. Sam Konstas

Criterion
Data
Matches
17
Runs1012
Average34.89
100s/50s2/6

The front-runner among all openers in Australia currently is the 19-year-old, Sam Konstas. He played two Tests against India in the BGT and impressed with a fifty on debut. The teenager has a couple of hundreds in first-class cricket. However, it was his ton against a quality Indian attack in a practice game last year that changed his fortunes. 

Reasons For Sam Konstas' Selection

  • Big-Match Credentials Shown In Young Career
  • Long-term Option
  • Aggressive Mindset - Suitable For Modern-Day Cricket

The right-hander did not play in the WTC final but was part of the squad, which speaks a lot about the trust selectors have in his abilities. Thus, there is a high chance that selectors will go with Sam Konstas in the next WTC cycle.

2. Marcus Harris

Criterion
Data
Matches
183
Runs12438
Average39.99
100s/50s32/52

Marcus Harris is an experienced batter and has played 14 Test matches for Australia. The batter has been on the selection radar for a long time now, and even when Warner retired, there were calls for giving him regular chances. 

Reasons To Select Marcus Harris

  • Like-For-Like Replacement - Left-Handed, Gritty Batter
  • Experience
  • Impressive Form In Recent Times

However, it did not happen, and the southpaw is still working hard for his comeback. He has been in spectacular form recently, with three centuries for Lancashire in the current County season, and has 12,438 runs in first-class cricket. He has also scored 32 centuries, so could be a good like-for-like replacement for Usman Khawaja.

3. Cameron Bancroft

Criterion
Data
Matches
176
Runs11311
Average38.60
100s/50s31/40

The right-handed opener was once a regular in the Australian team and was expected to serve his country for a long time. However, the Sandpapergate controversy halted his progress, and he has not played for Australia since 2019.

Reasons To Select Cameron Bancroft

  • Good Conversion Rate In First-Class Cricket
  • First-Class Experience

Bancroft, though, has been scoring runs consistently in domestic cricket and has over 11000 runs in first-class cricket. He has a great conversion rate as well with 31 centuries and 40 fifties, and if Australian selectors are looking for an experienced cricketer, Cameron Bancroft is another good option.