Khawaja criticises 'very good' Perth pitch

Australia batter Usman Khawaja has been highly critical of the decision to award the pitch for the first Test in Perth a rating of "very good".

In comments made at lunch for his foundation, Khawaja asked: "19 wickets on the first day, about 20 people got hit – that's a great wicket, that seems real fair?

"The same thing happened last year, that day one wicket. Steve Smith is by far the best cricketer I've played with. He's missing the middle of his bat by a long way, and he does not miss the middle of the bat.

"You can't really predict up and down; your hands can't catch up."

Khawaja has found his position in the Australia side under threat after Travis Head hammered a match-winning century from the top of the order in the first Test.

The 38-year-old suffered back spasms meaning he could not open in the first innings after spending time off the field.

He came in at four and made two before edging Brydon Carse behind and did not bat in the second innings after Australia opted to promote Head to open.

If Khawaja were to be dropped from the XI, Australia would either select in-form batter Josh Inglis or all-rounder Beau Webster in his place, with Head opening the batting.