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Alex Hales was surprised to see Usman Khawaja, his opening partner at Sydney Thunder, left out of Australia's ODI squad that is currently in India.

Sydney Thunder import Alex Hales admits he's surprised to be opening with Usman Khawaja in the BBL, backing the batsman to return for Australia soon.

The Thunder, who levelled their ledger at 4-4 after Saturday's tense four-wicket win over Hobart Hurricanes, weren't expecting to have Khawaja on deck for the entire season while planning 2019-20.

It was a fair assumption.

Khawaja, prior to being dropped for the fourth Ashes Test last year, had been entrenched in Australia's XI for almost two years.

The left-hander scored 1085 ODI runs for Australia in 2019, bettering every teammate with the exception of captain Aaron Finch, but was left out of the touring party that is currently in India.

"Having played with him, yeah," Hales told reporters, when asked if he was surprised Khawaja was overlooked by national selectors.

"He's an outstanding player across all three formats.

"His record in Big Bash is averaging mid-40s at 130.

"Hopefully he can pile on the runs and put himself back in that team:"

Hales (55) and Khawaja (35) shared a 96-run opening stand against Hobart, setting the platform for their side to haul in a target of 163.

Hales is keen to build on his man-of-the-match knock as the Thunder seek to shore up their top-four spot.

"I've felt in reasonable touch this tournament without getting that big match-winning score," the Englishman said.

"I'd have loved to have gone on a bit deeper (against Hobart).

"But I feel in really good touch and we've got some great grounds coming up - Perth, Hobart and Canberra. Hopefully I can get some more runs at the top."