Khawaja replaces expectant father Warner for India ODIs

Chief selector Rod Marsh says the call-up is a reward for the opening batsman's good form

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA: Usman Khawaja has been called into the Australia squad as cover for expectant father David Warner in the next two one-day internationals against India, Cricket Australia said Wednesday.

Warner's wife Candice is expecting the couple's second child shortly, with Khawaja joining the squad in Brisbane. He will remain for matches two and three of the five-game series at the Gabba on Friday and in Melbourne on Sunday.

"Usman has been in fantastic form this season and was unlucky to miss out on a place in our squad for the ODI series in the first place," chief selector Rod Marsh said.



"This call-up is a reward for that form and it is great to have someone of his quality to step into the squad in David's absence.

"We look forward to welcoming David back into the squad when circumstances allow."

Khawaja's most recent innings was a 42-ball 62 for Sydney Thunder in the Twenty20 Big Bash League against the Melbourne Renegades on Monday following his scores of 144 and 56 against the West Indies in the second Melbourne Test over Christmas.

That was his comeback to international cricket after a hamstring injury struck following scores of 174, nine not out and 121 in Tests against New Zealand.



And after recovering from that injury, his first innings back was a brilliant 109 from 70 balls for the Thunder against the Melbourne Stars in the BBL on December 20.

Australia won the opening ODI by five wickets over India in Perth on Tuesday.