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Seccombe frustrated by 'unfair' Khawaja criticism

The Queensland coach is adamant that the talented left-hander can find a way back into the Test team

Queensland coach Wade Seccombe is tired of the constant criticism focusing on Usman Khawaja's body language, and adamant the batsman sees a way back into Australia's Test team.

Khawaja, who will captain the Bulls in Tuesday's domestic Marsh One-Day cup against Western Australia, was playing golf as the Test team prepared for this week's clash with Pakistan at his home Gabba ground.

After being axed during the Ashes, the 32-year-old now finds himself behind state teammates Joe Burns and new No.3 Marnus Labuschagne, who both piled on the runs against the tourists on Friday and Saturday.

Khawaja boasts eight hundreds and an average of 40.66 in 44 Tests but that lifts to 52.97 at home and coach Justin Langer insists he'll remain in the selection mix if he puts runs on the board.

Test century No.8 for Khawaja

Shane Warne wrote in a News Corp column on Thursday that he "just wants to shake him (Khawaja) and get him to show a bit more", adding it was time for the left-hander to show how much he wanted to play for Australia.

Seccombe dismissed the common criticism on the classy batsman as nothing more than a frustrating myth.

"That's such an unfair comment," he said. "It's the old thing, if he doesn't make runs people are critical, but if he does 'he's beautiful, it's a fluent innings, we love the way he bats'.

"It's just his persona on the field and he's a calm character and that calmness comes through and I don't think you want to criticise a calmness in a player."

Khawaja's first innings for Queensland after missing Test selection was a gritty, unbeaten 86 to see them past Tasmania and ensure a home final later this week.

Khawaja responds to Test axing with 86no

"That was a special innings," Seccombe said. "They were really tough one day conditions, the ball seaming until or beyond the 40th over. You say mature, but it was just very classy."

Former Bulls wicketkeeper Seccombe said that innings alone was enough to show Khawaja was still determined to perform at his best at the elite level.

"I believe he doesn't think it's (his Test career) over," he said. "We've had a coffee recently and discussed all this; he's very comfortable winning games of cricket for Queensland and if he wins games he knows he'll probably get picked up (for Australia) anyway.

"Personally, I think he's in the top six batters in the country."

Queensland will host the Marsh One-Day Cup final at Allan Border Field against the Warriors on Tuesday.