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Khawaja hopeful of Ashes recall

Dropped Australian batsman Usman Khawaja believes others may have overtaken him in the race for the first Test, but says he has faith he will play for his country again.

Khawaja was dumped from the fifth Ashes Test in England, missing his chance to cement his place in the Australian top order after two years fighting for a spot.

But the left-hander has responded in the best possible way with three consecutive half centuries for Queensland in the domestic one-day Cup.

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There is a vacant position in the Australian batting order at No.6 heading into the first return match against England in Brisbane next month, but Khawaja is frank about where he stands after failing to take his chance from three matches in the UK.

"I think there's a couple of other guys who have their hands up before me at the moment," said Khawaja after scoring 63 in Queensland's comfortable five-wicket win over NSW at North Sydney Oval on Thursday.

"I haven't thought far ahead ... if you start looking too far ahead things never work out the way you planned.

"You've got to keep your head down.

"I'm just enjoying being back with the Queensland guys."

Khawaja appears in great touch and is confident he will be in the mix for Test selection again if he can take his form into the Shield season.

The directive from Test coach Darren Lehmann has been to keep scoring runs and Khawaja says he is backing his ability and his faith.

"Absolutely. I'm quite confident in myself. I believe in myself and I believe in God and I'm quite happy with where I am right now," Khawaja said.

"I have faith that I will play for Australia again, it's just a matter of when. It doesn't need to be rushed, good things come to those who wait.

"Hopefully I can keep scoring runs and keep becoming a better player."