Khawaja's Cricket Australia contract upgraded

Published December 08, 2015

Australia's Usman Khawaja walks off after being given out during play on the first day of the third Ashes Test between England and Australia at Old Trafford in Manchester, England, on August 1, 2013. Khawaja, who faces a battle to keep his place in the Australia team for this week's final Ashes Test, has had his central playing contract upgraded, Cricket Australia said Monday. (AFP/File)

Batsman Usman Khawaja, who faces a battle to keep his place in the Australia team for this week's final Ashes Test, has had his central playing contract upgraded, Cricket Australia said Monday.

CA said Khawaja was upgraded for the 2013/14 season list after having played three or more Tests since July 1 this year, meaning he is eligible for more money than his state contract offers.

The Pakistan-born lefthander has struggled since he was promoted to the Australia batting order at number three in the current Ashes series.

Khawaja, 26, has managed just 114 runs in six innings at an average of a mere 19 against England in this Ashes series.

In nine Tests since his debut over 18 months ago, he has scored 377 runs at 25.13 with two fifties.

Khawaja joins recently upgraded players Chris Rogers and Steve Smith on the CA contracts list.

The fifth Test starts at The Oval in London on Wednesday. England have already won the series.

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