Veteran opener Usman Khawaja is on track to reach a significant milestone during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India later this year, becoming Australia’s oldest Test cricketer in over 20 years. Khawaja will turn 38 on December 18, coinciding with the completion of the third Test at the Gabba in Brisbane.
He will join former Australian captains Steve Waugh and Allan Border as the only players to have played Test matches for Australia after their 38th birthday.
Although Khawaja has an impressive Test record of 5,451 runs at an average of 45.80, his journey has not always been easy. He made his debut in 2011 but faced challenges during his first two seasons in 2011 and 2013.
Khawaja finally established himself in the Test side with impressive performances in 2015 and 2016, but a poor run in 2019 led to his dismissal from the team. He made a comeback during the 2021-2022 Ashes and has continued to thrive since then.
With 2,564 runs, Khawaja leads all Australian players in runs scored since turning 35 and is the current ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year. Since his return in 2022, he has accumulated 2,564 runs at an average of 53.41, including seven centuries and 12 half-centuries.
“This definitely feels like one of the strongest teams we’ve had in a while”- Usman Khawaja
Usman Khawaja believes the current Australian Test team is the strongest they’ve had in recent years as they prepare to face India at home in November.
Although Australia currently holds the World Test Championship (WTC) trophy after defeating India in last year’s final, they have faced challenges in bilateral Test series against the Indian team. India has won the last four Border-Gavaskar Trophies, including two series in Australia in 2018-19 and 2020-21.
Khawaja recently shared his thoughts on the upcoming series against India in an interview with Fox Cricket, stating:
“This definitely feels like one of the strongest teams we’ve had for a while. We’ve been playing some really good cricket, but India’s team is very good too, which is why everyone’s so excited to watch the No. 1 and No. 2 teams going at it.”
“This Australian team is very settled. It’s been strong for a while. There’s no excuses, whoever wins is most likely the best team in the world. I think we’re in the best position we’ve been in a while to take India on.”
Khawaja has faced difficulties in Test matches against India, averaging just 34 over 17 innings, with one century and three half-centuries. Currently, India and Australia hold the top two positions in the ongoing WTC cycle, which will culminate in the final at Lord’s in June 2025.
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