The Ashes: Khawaja a step closer to dream

Usman Khawaja is on standby for Australian vice-captain Michael Clarke. Photo / Getty Images

Usman Khawaja's path to Test cricket remains uncertain but there's one thing for sure this week - he'll keep getting asked about his Muslim background.

The Pakistan-born NSW left-hander was called up on Monday as a standby player for Australia vice-captain Michael Clarke who is nursing a back injury ahead of Thursday's first Ashes Test in Brisbane.

Khawaja, who averages over 50 in first-class cricket, was named last week in the Australia A side to play England and struggled against the touring team's second-string bowlers, scoring 13 and a first-ball duck in Hobart.

The 23-year-old's maturity at the crease has however made a big impression on good judges around the country, including the Test selectors and former Australian batsman Darren Lehmann.

Poised to become the first Muslim to play for the national cricket team, Pakistan-born Khawaja smiles politely when asked about his background.

"I was born in Pakistan. I came here when I was about three and a half to Sydney," Khawaja told reporters in Hobart last week after being named in Australia's initial 17-man Ashes squad.

"It's always a good thing getting selected in a squad like the Australian squad, it's very exciting."

Asked about the historic achievement as a Muslim Australian Test player, Khawaja attempted to tickle the question down to fine leg.

"For me just being selected to play for Australia and getting a baggy green will be the best thing in the world," he said.

"I've dreamt about it ever since I was a kid and if I can ever get a baggy green I think I'll be as excited as anyone else would have been.

"None of the boys bring it (religion) up and the only time it ever comes up is from the media.

"If I'm meant to play for Australia in the Ashes, I'll play for Australia.

"I'm not too worried about that.

"As long as my mum and dad are happy, I'm happy."

Khawaja said his childhood idols were fellow left-handers Brian Lara and Adam Gilchrist.

- AAP