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Usman Khawaja has a special Ashes connection with the Sydney Cricket Ground. Khawaja made his debut in the 2011 Ashes at the SCG and he became the first Australian of Pakistan descent to play for the country. Six years later, during the 2017/18 tour, Khawaja hammered a magnificent 171 to help Australia secure a big win. Four years later, Khawaja is set to return for the Sydney Test against England on the back of some good fortune.
Before the Ashes, Khawaja and Travis Head were battling it out for the spot in the series. Head blasted a century in Brisbane and he became the leading run-getter. But, Head tested positive for the coronavirus and that has ruled him out for the Sydney Test. That has given Usman Khawaja a chance to showcase his mettle in this Ashes.
“It’s always nicer when you’re coming off games. I haven’t played for a month now. But it shouldn’t take too long hopefully, if I play and get out there, bat for half an hour, and get into it, I should find that sync again. It’s one of those things where even if I do play, it’ll only be for one game. I understand that situation, (and) hopefully, I can go out there and score a hundred and do well for the team in the absence of Heady,” Khawaja said.
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Usman Khawaja was part of the 2019 Ashes squad that retained the Urn after 18 years in England. But, poor form in the subsequent games saw him being dropped. Khawaja knows that opportunities will be less, with the Australian side settled in the batting unit. Head is expected to return for the fifth Ashes Test in Bellerive. In addition to the Ashes, Australia will be touring India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka in 2022.
Khawaja batted well against Pakistan in UAE in 2018 and he might still have a role to play in 2022. “There’s a lot of cricket still to come up. I’m just putting my head down, making sure I’m working really hard and doing the best I can for Australia whenever I get the opportunity. I’ll potentially have one game for Australia here, but even if that doesn’t happen, I know there’s still a lot of cricket on the subcontinent which I feel I’m very suited too, and which I’m looking forward to hopefully being a part of moving forward,” Khawaja stated.
Australia are currently leading the five-match Ashes series 3-0 and have retained the Urn. They will be gunning for a 5-0 whitewash for the fourth time in history.
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