Blues name Khawaja for Victoria match

Usman Khawaja has been named for a potential first-class debut in one of New South Wales' most important matches of the season. The Blues host Victoria at the SCG starting on Friday and with both sides on 32 points, well clear of the third-placed Western Australia on the Pura Cup table, the game could be crucial in determining who hosts the final.

New South Wales have been forced to make changes with Brad Haddin and Nathan Bracken in the Australia one-day squad, while Phillip Hughes and Steven Smith are in Malaysia for the Under-19 World Cup. The loss of Hughes at the top of the order might open the door for his fellow opener Khawaja, who was born in Pakistan and moved to Australia with his family at the age of three.

Khawaja, 21, is a left-hand batsman who describes his style as "medium attacking" and he is the leading run scorer in Sydney's grade cricket this season. A former Australia Under-19 representative, he earned his second rookie contract with New South Wales for 2007-08.

His debut is not certain, though, with Phil Jaques returning to the squad after finishing his Test duties. Daniel Smith replaces Haddin behind the stumps and Mark Cameron has been added to the pace attack.

Victoria chose a 12-man squad that included the opener Lloyd Mash for what could be his first match of the season. Michael Klinger is still recovering from a broken finger and was not selected, while Allan Wise has been omitted. Shane Harwood returns from a groin strain and the Bushrangers also named Clint McKay.

New South Wales squad Phil Jaques, Greg Mail, Usman Khawaja, Peter Forrest, Simon Katich (capt), Dominic Thornely, Daniel Smith (wk), Moises Henriques, Beau Casson, Matthew Nicholson, Mark Cameron, Doug Bollinger.

Victoria squad Nick Jewell, Lloyd Mash, Brad Hodge, David Hussey, Cameron White (capt), Rob Quiney, Andrew McDonald, Matthew Wade (wk), Shane Harwood, Peter Siddle, Clint McKay, Bryce McGain.