SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 04: Usman Khawaja of Australia and Marcus Harris of Australia leave the field at the end of play during day two of the Fourth Test match in the series between Australia and India at Sydney Cricket Ground on January 04, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Australian opener Marcus Harris is sure to be feeling the pressure ahead of the second Ashes Test of the summer, with reinforcement Usman Khawaja readying for a call-up into the Adelaide calculations.

Australian selectors are yet to confirm whether David Warner has overcome any ongoing issues with a rib injury sustained in the nine-wicket win over England last week, with doubt being cast over his chances to feature at Adelaide Oval on Thursday.

Khawaja has linked up with his teammates in Adelaide as part of the 14-man squad in SA, with a final call on Warner likely to be made in the next 24 hours.

Should Warner be ruled out of the match, Khawaja is sure to take his place atop the Australian batting order and join Harris in the opening partnership for Justin Langer's side.

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The duo are likely to face a refreshed English onslaught of James Anderson and Stuart Broad, with the touring veterans set to begin their summers after not being selected for the Gabba Test.

With Harris failing to impress in Brisbane, amassing scores of 3 and 9*, the Adelaide Test is shaping as a critical "bat-off" between the Perth-born batsman and Khawaja.

Speaking on Outside the Rope, Australian great Mark Taylor suggested Harris impress selectors this week in order to retain his place, especially with Khawaja potentially joining him at the crease.

“In a way that probably puts a bit more pressure on Marcus Harris,” Taylor said.

“(First) he’s got to make some runs ... (second) you suspect if Warner doesn’t play – it’s an if at this stage – it’s almost a bat-off. Warner will come back in for Boxing Day for sure.

“Therefore, Marcus Harris will need to make some runs to keep Usman Khawaja at bay. If Usman plays and gets runs, and Harris’s woes continue ... you can see Australia will make that choice and probably go for Khawaja for the Boxing Day Test.”

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Should Warne remain fit, the pressure will remain mounted on Harris' shoulders, with Khawaja waiting in the wings.

Queensland opener Bryce Street has also come into the selectors' sights following his unbeaten score of 119 against the Three Lions in Australia A's 112-run victory.