Khawaja, Smith in form slump, but Cummins tips revival

Steve Smith and Usman Khawaja have struggled to make substantial runs in 2024, but Australia captain Pat Cummins insists both are on the cusp of a turnaround.

The two veterans will play the third Test against India at the Gabba under pressure to perform.

The form and averages of Smith and Khawaja in the 2024 calendar year through seven Tests are nowhere near their stellar career records.

Smith has had his worst year ever with regards to his average, which sits at 23.2 in 2024, for any year that he has played more than three Tests.

Khawaja has made just one half-century in his 14 innings of 2024 and just 308 runs at an average of 25.66.

The 37-year-old has made just 34 runs this series, while 35-year-old Smith has made 19.

Khawaja averages 44.95 in Test cricket and Smith 56.09.

Smith's highest score this year is the 91 not out he made as an opener against the West Indies in January, also at the Gabba.

"If you look at his record the stats would suggest (a big score) is just around the corner," Cummins said of Smith.

"This year he is looking fantastic in the nets. He's just looking really sharp and like he has plenty of time. He's doing all the right things like he always does.

"He got caught down the leg side in the last game (in Adelaide) and I don't think you can read into that too much, but he is a big leader around the group and I hope he gets a few this week."

Khawaja's position in the side is not under threat and Cummins senses a turnaround in his playing form is also imminent.

"I think he is similar to Smith in some ways and looking fantastic in the nets," Cummins said.

"I thought last week in Adelaide he looked really sharp. He did a lot of the hard work on that first night (in an innings of 13) when it was tricky with a brand new ball under lights.

"Like most of the guys he would like to score a few more runs, but he had a good lead-in to the series and loves batting at the Gabba and knows it really well. Hopefully he can score some runs."

The Gabba wicket is expected to favour the bowlers and has a green tinge to it, but it is not expected to be close to unplayable as it was when Australia beat South Africa by six wickets in 2022 in a match that finished inside two days.

"It looks like a good wicket," Cummins said.

"With a bit of sun baking it the last couple of days, I don't think it is as green and leafy as it was against South Africa. We will wait and see tomorrow."