Khawaja backed as Test great says 'make sure England suffer'

Former Test quick Ryan Harris believes Usman Khawaja can't be dropped for the Boxing Day Test after his solid performance in Adelaide.

Khawaja moved to No.4 after Steve Smith's absence and scored 82 and 40 across both innings.

The 39-year-old originally missed out in Adelaide due to the success of Travis Head at the top of the order but it's now become tough to drop him.

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Josh Inglis is the man likely in the firing line but at 30 is likely a look into the future of Australia.

Harris believes it will be Inglis who makes way for the fourth Test. 

"I think Usman Khawaja's earned his spot," he said on 2GB's Wide World of Sports Radio.

"I think he stays in, where he bats is a good question.

"Maybe Inglis may have to drop out … and maybe (Alex) Carey goes down although he's made some runs where he is. There's some good dilemmas, they're winning Test matches and still fighting for spots, which is a really good sign."

Australia will be a different looking side in Melbourne with Pat Cummins next to no chance of playing while Nathan Lyon is definitely out.

There has been talk of resting either Scott Boland and Mitchell Starc too, however the latter was steadfast on his intention to play when speaking to media after the match before flying back to Sydney on Monday morning.

"I want more," he said.

"The next game starts in four days. I feel good and ready to go.

"I plan every summer to play every game. So for me, that's not changing."

Jhye Richardson will come into contention for Cummins' spot despite Brendan Doggett and Michael Neser playing in the first two Tests.

Richardson bowled in the nets at Adelaide before the Test and appeared to be at full fitness. 

Starc also declared to media "the job's not done" as all eyes turn towards a 5-0 whitewash. 

Harris said there won't be any complacency in this squad.

"Once you get to this point now where you're 3-0 up, you go in for the kill," he said.

"… they want to make sure England suffer. They come over here full of confidence and arrogance … that'll definitely be on the front of their (Australia's) minds.

Harris was part of Australia's 2013-14 Ashes side that won 5-0.