Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Smith acknowledged the problem of batting in Perth however mentioned he wouldn’t have been as blunt as Khawaja.
“Probably not the phrases I might have used,” Smith mentioned. “The first day was tough for batting. It had good tempo, bounce and fairly a little bit of seam motion – two good bowling assaults going at it.
“When that occurs, typically it may be robust to bat. It’s type of half and parcel of enjoying in Australia for the previous couple of years. It has these moments the place it’s actually arduous to bat, and you bought to try to discover methods to get via.”
Khawaja has been dominated out of the second Test in Brisbane with a again damage that flared throughout the sequence opener. CA is adamant the three rounds of golf he performed within the three days earlier than the Perth Test didn’t contribute to the spasms that prevented him from opening the batting in each innings.
Khawaja educated as regular within the lead-up however reported a sore again on day one.
He is hopeful of that includes later within the sequence, however with Travis Head set to open on the Gabba, Khawaja might have performed his ultimate Test.
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“He’s clearly not match for this one, however he’s doing all the best issues to try to get himself match as shortly as attainable,” Smith mentioned. “We know with Uz he’s been a high quality participant over an extended time period. I feel anybody that performs over 80 Tests is an effective cricketer and has finished exceptionally nicely.
“We’ll take a look at this recreation, see the way it goes, after which I’m certain that’s a query for selectors shifting ahead.”
Asked if he thought Khawaja would play Test cricket once more, Smith mentioned: “I’m unsure. He’s been a high quality participant for a very long time. I do know he works exceptionally arduous on his recreation. I performed the Shield recreation out right here just a few weeks in the past and he batted actually properly for the 90 that he scored.
“He’s had one hit the place he was injured; didn’t do nicely along with his damage.
“It’s not for me to reply whether or not I feel that’s going to occur or not, however all I do know he’s been superb for a very long time.”
