Usman Khawaja has expressed strong support for his Queensland teammate Matthew Renshaw, often called “Mini-Uz,” to make a return to the Australian Test side for the upcoming Ashes series. With Renshaw showing great form across formats, Khawaja backs ‘mini-Uz’ to partner him at the top of the order as Australia prepare to defend the Ashes.
Khawaja Backs ‘Mini-Uz’ in Call for a Queensland Top Order
Ahead of Queensland’s Sheffield Shield clash against New South Wales at the Gabba, Khawaja said he would love to see his state’s top three players — himself, Renshaw, and Marnus Labuschagne — represent Australia together again. He said, “Queensland one, two and three would be great. I think our best lineup has Marnus at No. 3, Steve Smith at four, and Travis Head at five.”
Renshaw, now 29, has rediscovered his rhythm with a brilliant hundred against Tasmania earlier this month and several solid performances during his first ODI series against India. Seeing this form, Khawaja backs ‘mini-Uz’ to grab his opportunity at the highest level once again.
The veteran opener believes Renshaw is now more mature and mentally prepared than ever. “If Renshaw is picked, he’s in the best space right now to have a crack at Australia again and be ready to score runs,” Khawaja said. He admitted he might be biased as both teammates and close friends, but Khawaja backs ‘mini-Uz’ because of his proven ability.
Renshaw has already shown his potential in Test cricket, with a highest score of 184 for Australia. According to Khawaja, the ups and downs Renshaw faced early in his career have only made him stronger. “Being in and out of the Australian team helps you grow. It teaches you to value every chance. Whenever Rennie gets his next opportunity, he’ll be ready,” he added.
Khawaja Backs ‘Mini-Uz’ On and Off the Field
Khawaja backs ‘mini-Uz’ not just for his batting talent, but also for his smart attitude off the field. Renshaw has adopted some of Khawaja’s own habits, including staying away from the noise of media and social media. Khawaja joked, “It doesn’t surprise me that he’s deleted the CA app and stopped reading the papers. That’s straight out of the Khawaja manual. I haven’t done it for six years, and it really helps me focus on my game.”
The left-hander laughed that Renshaw copies him in almost everything — “He wears the same cricket gear, the same shoes, and even lives five minutes away from my house. He’s a real ‘mini-Uz’,” Khawaja said. Clearly, Khawaja backs ‘mini-Uz’ as a player who has learned the importance of staying relaxed and focused, something Khawaja himself discovered later in his career.
Turning his attention to another teammate, Khawaja praised Marnus Labuschagne’s renewed balance and maturity. After missing out on the Test squad earlier this year, Labuschagne has adjusted his training routine and mindset. Khawaja said, “Marnus is hitting fewer balls now. He used to practice for hours, but he’s learning that rest and mental freshness are just as important. He’s growing as a cricketer.”
Even while discussing others, Khawaja backs ‘mini-Uz’ repeatedly, saying Renshaw belongs at the top level and has handled pressure impressively in his recent ODI outings. “He’s taken on the challenge really well and always looks comfortable when stepping up. He’s one guy who truly belongs at the next level,” Khawaja said confidently.
With the Ashes set to begin on November 21 at Perth’s Optus Stadium, Australian selectors are expected to announce the squad soon. While the competition for opening spots remains fierce, Khawaja backs ‘mini-Uz’ to prove himself once again and shine in English conditions.
There’s no doubt that Khawaja backs ‘mini-Uz’ with genuine belief — not just as a teammate, but as a mentor who has seen Renshaw’s growth firsthand. If given the chance, Khawaja backs ‘mini-Uz’ to make the most of his return and deliver the performances Australia need at the top of the order.
In every sense — on form, mindset, and preparation — Khawaja backs ‘mini-Uz’ to step up when it matters most in the 2025 Ashes.
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