Shane Watson had some advice for Australian selectors after Usman Khawaja set up the Sydney Thunder's emphatic BBL win over the Melbourne Stars - 'just let Usi be Usi'.
The Test No.3, who hasn't featured in ODIs since January last year and played his last international T20 match in 2016, struck 44 runs from 26 balls including nine fours at the MCG.
Khawaja's difficulties against spin are well-documented but some questioned his place in the Test team altogether before his commanding 171 in the fifth Ashes Test in Sydney.
The 31-year-old still harbours ambitions to represent his country in all three formats and Watson is adamant he would excel if given the chance.
"The thing we all know about Usi is that he's a world-class batsman whether it's Test match, one-dayers or Twenty20," Watson said.
"When he's batting with freedom, and there's no selection (questions) hanging over his head every single game then he's one of the best players in the world.
"They've just got to know how to get the best out of him because someone like Usi ... you don't just shake a tree and they fall out.
"World-class players like him don't come along that often so you've got to make sure that you get the best out of him and not have selection (questions) hanging over his head.
"He just needs to have the confidence, backing and freedom to go and do what he does."
Khawaja combined with Ashes combatant, England No.3 James Vince, brilliantly in the Thunder's commanding seven-wicket win over the hapless Stars on Saturday night.
Set a modest target of 148 runs for victory, the Thunder's opening pair put on a quick-fire 85-run partnership off just 8.2 overs as the visitors stormed to 3-149 from 16.1 overs.
The opening stand set the platform for skipper Watson to blast his side to victory with an unbeaten 49 from 28 balls.
The win was a big boost for the Thunder's finals chances.
Watson's side improved from seventh to fifth while giving their net run rate a shot in the arm.
Conversely, it was another low for Melbourne's star-studded green team in a miserable campaign with just one win to date.
Not only will the Stars miss the finals for the first time in their history after six-straight appearances, they are all but assured of finishing bottom of the table.
The Thunder next host the Melbourne Renegades on Wednesday night in Canberra, while the Stars travel to Sydney to take on the Sixers on Tuesday evening at the SCG.
