Usman Khawaja's captains decision could cost him Ashes spot in intriguing twist

A decision by Queensland captain Usman Khawaja to enforce the follow-on in a Sheffield Shield game could ultimately cost him a recall to the Australian Test team.

Khawaja sent South Australia back in at Karen Rolton Oval on Thursday when the Redbacks fell 197 runs short on the first innings.

Khawaja and South Australian captain Travis Head are locked in a battle to win the No.5 spot in Australia's batting order for the looming Ashes series, which kicks off at the Gabba on December 8.

The Bulls skipper was out for only 4 in the first innings of their Shield game in Adelaide. Head then failed, too, out for 8 in his first innings.

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Khawaja's decision to enforce the follow-on could have been a masterstroke if Head failed a second time. Instead, the latter scored 101 off 149 balls.

The century could very well push Head in front of Khawaja and win him the vacant spot in the Test team to take on England.

Khawaja will have a second chance to bat in this Shield game, too.