Ponting impressed by Khawaja

Usman Khawaja has been backed to shine at the highest level by the man who he will replace in Australia's side for the fifth Ashes Test.

Pakistan-born batsman Khawaja will become the first Muslim to play Test cricket for Australia when he makes his debut against England in Sydney.

The 24-year-old, who is the leading scorer in Sheffield Shield cricket this year, will take the place of injured skipper Ricky Ponting, who has been ruled out due to complications over his broken little finger.

Ponting, however, believes Khawaja has the technique to prosper at number three in the order - even if it may only be for just the one game.

"Everything I've seen of Usman, I've been very impressed with what he's been able to do. His first-class record is very, very good,"Ponting said.

"Technically, he looks as good as any of the young blokes we've got around Australia, probably better.

"You need to have that really solid technique if you want to stand up at number three at Test level."

Very strong

Australia opener Simon Katich has always been impressed by his New South Wales team-mate having seen his potential from a young age.

"I have been raving about him for some time and I have always thought technically he is one of the best young batsmen going around,"Katich said."He has a lot of time, he is very stylish and great to watch.

"He is very good off the back foot which is a good sign for a batsman from Sydney and he is very strong against the short stuff and is a very good all-round player."

Khawaja - who emigrated with his family from Pakistan when he was just three years old - admits he faces a tall order replacing Ponting at No.3, even if Australia's injured leader has endured a lean time of it during the series.

"He is a legendary cricketer and a legendary bloke,"he said."Me taking Ricky's spot? I highly doubt that.

"I'm not here to fill Ricky Ponting's shoes, I'm going to go out there and try and do the best I can,"he said.

"To replace 12,000 runs is a big feat and I still haven't scored any."

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