Australia opener Usman Khawaja playfully addressed a question about his future ahead of the third Test against India in Brisbane. At 37 years old, speculation about his career has started to surface.
Khawaja will turn 38 on December 18, the fifth day of the third Test. Despite being the oldest player in the team, he has been one of the most consistent run-scorers over the past two years, regardless of the conditions.
When asked if this was his last home season, Khawaja responded humorously, as reported by The Sydney Morning Herald:
“Shit, you’ve come out hard, haven’t you? Why didn’t anyone ask me this 10 years ago? Oh, so you’re being ageist! I’m just enjoying it. Look at this face. It’s still fresh.”
The Islamabad-born batter stated that he sees no reason why he can’t play another summer if this season goes well.
“If everything is going well there is no reason why I would not want to play another summer in Australia. My body is good, my mind is good, and I am still hitting the ball well,” he added.
The southpaw has faced difficulties in the first two Tests of the five-match series, with a highest score of 13. As Australia’s opening partnership has yet to establish a strong base, the responsibility now falls on Khawaja to deliver in Brisbane.
“He likes playing at the Gabba”- Pat Cummins on Usman Khawaja
Australia captain Pat Cummins has expressed confidence in Usman Khawaja, backing him to perform at a venue he is familiar with. Cummins remarked ahead of the Gabba Test:
“He’s looking fantastic in the nets. I thought last week he looked really sharp. Like most of the guys, he’d be wanting to score a few more runs. He had a good lead-in to this series. He loves batting at the Gabba and knows it really well.”
After conceding a series lead in Perth, Australia made a strong comeback in Adelaide to level the series. The two teams will continue their rivalry on Saturday, December 14.
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