Khawaja backs 'mini-Uz' Renshaw for Ashes recall

Usman Khawaja has called for Queensland's top three to line up together in the upcoming Ashes, backing Matthew Renshaw for an opening berth and Marnus Labuschagne to slot back in at No. 3.

"Queensland... one, two and three would be great," Khawaja said ahead of the Bulls' Sheffield Shield fixture against New South Wales Blues at the Gabba. "I think our best lineup has Marnus three, (Steve) Smith four and (Travis) Head five."

Renshaw, 29, has hit form across formats with a Shield hundred earlier this month against Tasmania and three solid outings recently in his first ODI series against India, and Khawaja believes he's never been more prepared.

"I know if Renshaw is picked that he is in the best space right now to have a crack at Australia again and be ready to score runs," he said. "Obviously I am a little bit biased because he is my opening partner and a friend of mine, but he's been there and done it. He has scored 184 for Australia. He has been in and out of the Australian team and it allows you to grow, as I know from experience. It allows you to learn from experiences when you get the opportunity again. Whenever Rennie gets his chance ... I know he will be ready."

"He hasn't done himself any harm with the way he has played in the last three matches in the one-dayers. He has taken the pressure on really well and looked the part, which he always does whenever he goes to the next level. You feel like he is one guy that really belongs at the next level."

Khawaja joked about how Renshaw has followed his example off the field too. "It doesn't surprise me that he's deleted the CA app and is not looking at the paper. That is straight out of the Khawaja manual," he said. "I haven't done it for six years now and I am glad he has gone the same way. I was the same. I was worried about everyone else but then I started worrying about myself and enjoying life for what it is and started playing a lot better.

"He literally copies everything I do," Khawaja added. "He wears DSC (cricket clothing), wears Nike shoes and even lives five minutes from my house. He's a 'mini-Uz'."

As for Labuschagne, Khawaja said the Bulls skipper's recalibrated approach had brought renewed consistency after a spell out of the Test squad this year. "Our best side has Marnus in it. He brings a lot of energy, so hopefully he will be back," he said.

"He is hitting less balls (in training) than he ever has. He is not hitting balls before the game in the morning. He was usually in there for an hour but he is giving his brain a bit more of a rest. He always works hard but now he is choosing when he works hard. He is growing and understanding he doesn't need to hit four million balls to be ready. It's just finding a balance."

Australia begin their Ashes defence against England at Optus Stadium in Perth on November 21, with selectors expected to name the squad in the coming weeks.