Nathan Lyon has backed Usman Khawaja to bounce back from the disappointment of his Test axing and make a big impact in the summer Ashes series.
Khawaja's long-awaited return to national duties lasted just one match after he was dropped from Australia's XI for the second Test against Bangladesh in Chittagong.
The elegant left-hander has an exceptional record at home but averages just 14.62 on the subcontinent and could only manage two runs during the first Test loss in Dhaka.
With Australia playing three spinners in a Test for the first time in more than a decade, batting all-rounder Hilton Cartwright was brought in to provide backup to sole quick Pat Cummins.
"We have selected a team for this Test based on playing the conditions we are faced with in Chittagong," national chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns said on Monday.
"The inclusion of Cartwright is warranted, he brings solid batting to the side and also gives the captain an extra medium-pace option due to Pat Cummins being the only fast-bowler in the XI."
It continues a nightmare year for Khawaja, who went almost eight months without representing his country in any format before being recalled to the Test side in Dhaka.
At 30, it remains to be seen whether he will again be entrusted with batting on the subcontinent.
But with the Ashes looming, Lyon has backed Khawaja to dust himself off and put together another high-quality summer.
"Ussie's an unbelievable player," the off-spinner said.
"If Test cricket was easy, everyone would do it, that's the thing that you've got to remember. We're facing quality bowlers.
"He had one run-out and then a sweep shot that he's been working on in the nets. No doubt, I'm backing Ussie to bounce back and have a massive summer for Australian cricket."
Khawaja's axing spared wicketkeeper Matthew Wade from meeting the same fate, with Australia's selectors opting not to risk handing the gloves to part-timer Peter Handscomb.
Wade capped off a strong performance with the brilliant stumping of Shabbir Rahman (66) off the bowling of Lyon shortly before stumps.
"It's massive. We talk about having energy and intent when we go out on the field there ... he got good reward from that stumping today," Lyon said.
"It wasn't the best ball I've ever bowled, but I thought he did a pretty good job in severe heat."
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